Multiple monitor display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multiple monitor apparatus in the form of a laptop PC, a desktop monitor, a mobile device, and the like. In dual screen mode, the additional monitor is typically presented displaying different content and centered to the user. In single screen mode, the additional display enclosures are retracted and stored in such a manner that they do not present themselves to the user. A guiderail assembly is used to center both display enclosures relative to the user. The guiderail assembly may be motorized or manually effected and may be located above or below the primary enclosure hinge. The secondary enclosure may be extended and retracted from the primary enclosure by the use of slider arms. The secondary enclosure may also be hinged to the primary enclosure, utilize pegs, ride on its own guiderail, and detach from the primary enclosure or the apparatus. Independent guiderails may also be employed to center two or more displays relative to a user. In one embodiment, the monitor may be rotated from landscape to portrait view.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/163,457 entitled, “Multiple Monitor DisplayApparatus,” filed on Oct. 19, 2005 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/619,841 entitled, “Dualscreen display apparatus,” filed Oct. 19, 2004, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/635,434 entitled, “Dual screen displayapparatus,” filed Dec. 14, 2004. The entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electronic display apparatuses suchas LCD monitors and laptop computers and more particularly to electronicdisplay apparatuses which incorporate multiple display screens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many professionals utilize two or more computers monitors at the office.Such professionals include securities traders, architects, computerprogrammers, marketing or sales representatives, and the like.Similarly, professionals who utilize multiple monitors at the office maydesire similar features when they travel or visit a client's premises.As the price of computer monitors such as LCD monitors fall, and newthinner display technologies such as OLEDs become technically viable,more and more professionals will see the need to work or monitor data onmultiple display screens.

For some professionals, there may only be an occasional need for usingmultiple monitor displays, for example, during certain tasks, or duringcertain times of the day. However, setting up two or more monitors andstoring them later after their intended use is time consuming andinconvenient. Multiple monitors require space, and use precious desktopsurface area. Furthermore, multiple monitors may impede vision orincrease clutter around a desk.

Thus, a need exists to provide professionals with a multiple monitordisplay apparatus incorporating one or more additional monitors which isconvenient to use when required and yet, easily stored when notrequired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multiple monitor display apparatus is disclosed. One aspect of thepresent invention according to a first preferred embodiment is the useof a guiderail assembly to center the primary and secondary enclosuresrelative to the user in dual screen mode. A second aspect of the presentinvention according to a first preferred embodiment is the use of sliderarms to secure the secondary enclosure to the primary enclosure. Afurther aspect of the present invention according to a first preferredembodiment is to store the secondary enclosure within the primaryenclosure in single screen mode.

One aspect of the present invention according to a second preferredembodiment is to rotatably attach the secondary enclosure to the primaryenclosure using a hinge. A further aspect of the present inventionaccording to a second preferred embodiment is to utilize a guiderailassembly to center the primary and secondary enclosures relative to theuser in dual screen mode.

One aspect of the present invention according to a third preferredembodiment is to utilize 2 or more guiderails to effect a dual screenmode, one guiderail for each of the primary, secondary, and tertiaryenclosures. A further aspect of the present invention according to athird preferred embodiment is the ability to rotate the display from alandscape view to a portrait view. A further aspect of the presentinvention is to present the guiderail assembly above or below theprimary enclosure hinge.

One aspect of the present invention according to a fourth preferredembodiment is to use detachable primary and secondary enclosuresincorporating pegs which when arranged into a dual screen mode, centerthe displays with respect to the user without the need for a guiderailassembly.

One aspect of the present invention according to a fifth preferredembodiment is the ability to detach the secondary enclosure from theprimary enclosure. A further aspect of the present invention accordingto a fifth preferred embodiment is the ability to transmit a videosignal and receive data from said detached secondary enclosurewirelessly.

A further aspect of the present invention is the use of a motorizedmechanism to extend and retract the guiderail assembly and the secondaryenclosure so the user may quickly enter and exit dual screen mode.

A further aspect of the present invention is the use of a motorizedmechanism to extend and retract the guiderail assembly and the secondaryenclosure into the primary enclosure so that the user may quickly enterand exit dual screen mode. A further aspect of the present invention isto allow the user to switch between single screen mode and dual screenmode in a convenient and intuitive manner.

A further aspect of the present invention is to incorporate the multiplemonitor display apparatus into tablet PC apparatus, televisionapparatus, mobile phone apparatus, PDA/smart phone apparatus, desktoppedestal apparatus, wall mounted apparatus, and the like. A furtheraspect of the present invention is to permit new display technologiessuch as OLED technology to be utilized within the primary and secondaryenclosures.

It is a further aspect of the invention that one or more of the displayscreens may be a touch sensitive display screen. It is a further aspectof the invention that one or more of the display screens may be ofsimilar or different dimensions, and to utilize similar or distinctdisplay technology (for example, e-Ink displays, or OLED displays) foreach display screen.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a multiple monitor displayapparatus having a secondary enclosure housed within the primaryenclosure. The secondary enclosure may be exited from the primaryenclosure by extending along slider arms, telescopic arms assembly,support arms, or an enclosure hinge. The two display enclosures may bemoved manually or mechanically from left to right in-line via amotorized guiderail assembly that may also serve as a curved guiderailassembly that provides a natural turning for symmetrical viewing ineither a single screen or double screen mode.

The additional display enclosures of the multiple monitor displayapparatus may be moved from a single screen mode to a double screenmode. In display enclosures may also be oriented to landscape orportrait views by using a guiderail assembly with a rotating hinge orswivel hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-11 show a dual screen apparatus having a primary enclosure, asecondary enclosure that is stored within the primary enclosure, sliderarms, and a guiderail assembly that is located below both the primaryenclosure.

FIGS. 12-15 show an alternative example of a dual screen displayapparatus in which the guiderail assembly is located above the primaryenclosure hinge.

FIGS. 16-18 show a further alternative example of a dual screenapparatus without a guiderail assembly.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a primary enclosureand a secondary enclosure of a dual screen apparatus taken along line19-19 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic cross sectional view of an upper slider arm, alower slider arm and a secondary enclosure taken along line 20-20 ofFIG. 7.

FIGS. 21-30 are schematic cross sectional views of further arrangementsof select components within the primary and secondary enclosures.

FIGS. 31-40 are partial schematic cross sectional views of furtherarrangements of select components near the guiderail assembly area ofthe dual screen apparatus.

FIGS. 41-62 are schematic views of the hinge arrangements and theirvariations which are mounted to the primary and secondary enclosure ofthe dual screen apparatus.

FIGS. 63-64 show an example of a dual screen apparatus having a curvedguiderail assembly.

FIGS. 65-66 are isometric views of a multiple monitor apparatus havingthree display screens.

FIGS. 67-71 illustrate the use of a telescopic arms assembly to extendor retract the secondary enclosure.

FIG. 72 shows an exploded view of the guiderail motor assemblycomponents.

FIGS. 73-80 depict the relative positions of the guiderail motorassembly, the primary enclosure motor, and the secondary enclosuremotor.

FIGS. 81-84 illustrate an example of a dual screen slate-style tablet PCapparatus with an integrated but extendable secondary display enclosure,keyboard enclosure, scanner enclosure, or solar panel enclosure allstored within the primary enclosure.

FIG. 85 shows an example of a dual screen mobile phone apparatus.

FIG. 86 shows an example of a dual screen PDA/smart phone apparatus.

FIGS. 87-88 illustrate an example of a dual screen desktop pedestalapparatus.

FIGS. 89-96 illustrate an example of a dual screen wall mountedapparatus.

FIG. 97-98 illustrate an example of a dual screen apparatus as appliedto a dashboard of a vehicle.

FIGS. 98-99 illustrate an example of a dual screen apparatus having asecondary enclosure stored within the primary enclosure that may beexited without slider arms, hinge, or support arms.

FIGS. 100-109 show examples of a dual screen apparatus with a guiderailassembly and a secondary enclosure that is not enclosed by the primaryenclosure, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 110-113 illustrate an alternative example of a dual screenapparatus having two independent display enclosures connected bysecondary enclosure hinge.

FIGS. 114-117 illustrate an example of a triple screen apparatusincorporating a second display enclosure with two display screens andfirst display enclosure with one display screen.

FIGS. 118-122 illustrate an example of a dual screen apparatus with twoindependent display enclosures, the secondary enclosure connected to theprimary enclosure via a secondary enclosure hinge that also functions asthe pivot point.

FIGS. 123-134 illustrate examples of a dual screen apparatus with twoindependent display enclosures and two adjacent guiderails, inaccordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 135 shows a partial isometric view showing the relationship of theenclosure swivel hinges and associated guiderail components.

FIG. 136 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a primary enclosureand a secondary enclosure of a dual screen apparatus taken along line136-136 of FIG. 137.

FIGS. 137-139 illustrate an example of a dual screen apparatus havingenclosure swivel hinges rotatably attached to enclosure slides in singlescreen and dual screen modes.

FIG. 140 shows a direct drive variation of the guiderail motor assemblyshown in FIG. 72

FIG. 141 shows a schematic side view of a dual screen apparatus havingtwo independent display enclosures in a closed position; the secondaryenclosure mounted to a plunger style slide hinge.

FIG. 142 is a schematic side view of dual screen apparatus of FIG. 141in an open position.

FIG. 143 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a multiple monitorapparatus with three display enclosures; a variation of the enclosurearrangement depicted in FIG. 136.

FIG. 144 shows an example of an apparatus having three displayenclosures with a stationary secondary enclosure and both primaryenclosure and tertiary enclosure extendable via slider arms.

FIG. 145 shows an example of a dual screen apparatus having acombination of a primary enclosure with a primary enclosure slide hingeand a secondary enclosure incorporating slider arms.

FIGS. 146-147 illustrate an example of a dual screen desktop apparatushaving a pedestal and a guiderail assembly with guiderail openings andshafts.

FIGS. 148-149 illustrate an example of a dual screen wall mountedapparatus.

FIGS. 150-151 illustrate an example of a dual screen desktop apparatus.

FIGS. 152-153 illustrate an alternative example of a dual screen wallmounted apparatus and a dual screen desktop apparatus having a ball andsocket joint for pivoting the display enclosures.

FIGS. 154-186 illustrate examples of a multiple monitor apparatus and amultiple monitor pedestal apparatus in which the primary enclosure andthe secondary enclosure are independent of each other and may beadjusted to a single screen, dual screen, or triple screen modes usingpegs, peg holes, or peg slots in accordance with the fourth embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 187-192 illustrate examples of a dual screen apparatus and a dualscreen slate style apparatus in which the primary enclosure and thesecondary enclosure are independent of each other, the secondaryenclosure detachable or separated from the main unit, in accordance withthe fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 193-194 illustrate partial isometric views of a dual screenapparatus showing a side mounted hinge and a top mounted hinge whichpermit an extended secondary enclosure to pivot toward the user.

FIG. 195 is a side view of the dual screen apparatus of FIGS. 187-188 asthe detachable secondary enclosure docks to the back of the primaryenclosure.

FIG. 196 is a side view of the detachable secondary enclosure of FIGS.189-192 shown removably attached to an enclosure cradle.

FIGS. 197-202 illustrate partial top, front views of the side mountedand top mounted hinge areas shown in FIGS. 193-194 respectively.

FIGS. 203-204 are perspective views of a dual screen apparatus in apartially open and in a closed position respectively.

FIGS. 205-206 show an isometric view of an exemplary signal connectionmeans from the base electronics housing to the secondary enclosure ofthe dual screen apparatus.

FIGS. 207-208 show partial schematic cross sectional views of furthervariations of the guiderail assembly and primary enclosure areas shownin FIGS. 31 and 37 respectively.

FIGS. 209-210 are top views of a typical dual screen apparatus showing amodified hinge area different from the hinge area shown in FIGS. 110-111respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A multiple monitor apparatus, typically in the form of a dual screendisplay apparatus, is disclosed along showing numerous variations in thearrangement of the apparatus components within the scope of theinvention. Such an apparatus is suited for applications where dualscreens or multiple display screens are preferred or occasionallyrequired in a portable housing and that the additional display screen(s)may be readily accessed, operated, and then stored in a quick andefficient manner. Access implies opening or extending the associateddisplay; Storing implies closing or retracting the associated display.

The dual screen display apparatus of the present invention may bedescribed as similar to a conventional laptop computer but comprised oftwo display screens: a primary display screen fixedly attached to aprimary enclosure and a secondary display screen fixedly attached to asecondary enclosure. The primary display screen may be used as a typicaldisplay screen while the secondary display screen may be an identicaldisplay screen or a specialized display screen. The second displayscreen may be used simultaneously, concurrently, and in complementaryfashion with the activities of the first display screen or the seconddisplay screen may be used as a distinct, separated, or specializedseparate display unit.

As will be explained hereafter, there are other examples of dual screendisplay apparatuses consistent with the present invention mentioned suchas a dual screen slate style table PC apparatus, dual screen mobilephone apparatus, dual screen PDA/smart phone apparatus, dual screen wallmount apparatus, dual screen desktop apparatus, or simply dual screenapparatus. The terms “dual screen display apparatus” and “dual screenapparatus” are used interchangeably to refer to the present invention.

The first preferred embodiment concerns a dual screen display apparatuscomprising an extendable secondary enclosure housed within the primaryenclosure. The secondary enclosure may be exited beyond or outside ofthe primary enclosure via slider arms, support arms, hinges ortelescopic arms.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 30incorporating guiderail assembly 5 located below primary enclosure hinge14, single screen mode, in accordance with the first preferredembodiment of the present invention. In a single screen mode, asdepicted in FIG. 1, the user generally relies on utilizing only primarydisplay screen 10 while secondary display screen 20 (not shown) isstored within primary enclosure 11. A single screen mode also includessecondary display screen 20 facing the rear while primary display screen10 is facing the user such as that shown in FIG. 110. When dual screenapparatus 30 is opened, primary display screen 10 is the first displayscreen visible to the user. It is always visible in other alternativeembodiments as in the case of a display screen mounted on a wall,desktop stand, partition, or pedestal. Primary enclosure 11 is pivotallyattached to guiderail assembly 5 via primary enclosure hinge 14 and ispivotable between a closed position (not shown) and an open position asshown in FIG. 1. In a closed position, primary enclosure 11 is folded inparallel proximity with base electronics housing 32 with primary displayscreen 10 in a face-to-face relation with keyboard 6. Primary displayscreen 10 may be recessed so as not to touch keyboard 6 when in a closedposition. To effect a single screen mode, primary enclosure 11 ispivoted to an upright, essentially upright orientation such that it isvisible to a user of the laptop computer. Primary enclosure 11encapsulates secondary enclosure 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Primaryenclosure cavity 19 located within primary enclosure 11 as shown in FIG.6 receives secondary enclosure 22. Primary display screen 10 mayfunction alone as a typical display screen associated with a laptopcomputer which may be turned on to display images, open programapplications, open data file, open external and internal storagedevices, among others. Shown in its first or stationary position isguiderail assembly 5 flushed with the top surface and the right (shown),left and rear sides of base electronics housing 32. Guiderail assembly 5may either be attached to base electronics housing 32 pivotably attachedto primary enclosure 11 via and below primary enclosure hinge 14 asshown in FIG. 1 or attached to the bottom of primary enclosure 11pivotably attached to base electronics housing 32 via and above primaryenclosure hinge 14 as shown in FIG. 12. In an alternative example, suchas in FIG. 16, primary enclosure 11 is pivotally attached to baseelectronics housing 32 via primary enclosure hinge 14 without aguiderail assembly. The guiderail assembly of the present invention is amotorized or manually operated unit of the dual screen apparatus thatfunctions to slide smoothly as it moves the primary enclosure and thesecondary enclosure laterally to a convenient viewing angle relative tothe user such as moving the two display enclosures to an essentiallycentered position for the dual screen mode. The guiderail assembly isgenerally elongated; alternatively, it may also be curved such as thatshown in FIGS. 63-64.

As will be described hereafter, guiderail assembly 5 is typicallycomprised of three parts: the first part referred to as rail 15 beingthe stationary part typically located at the lower portion of theassembly, the second part referred to as slide 16 which is slidablyreceived by rail 15 as it maintains continuous contact in back and forthmotion when slid to effectively move display enclosures 11, 22, and thethird part referred to as guiderail cover 13 which functions asprotective covering for slide 16 and or rail 15. Guiderail assembly 5may have a detent mechanism that permits slide 16 to stop discretely atcertain points along rail 15. The adjacent surfaces of the rail andslide in a typically linear fashion with respect to each other. Theremaining surfaces of the rail and slide are fixedly attached to theirsupporting structures. For example, rail 15 of guiderail assembly 5 isfixedly attached to the base electronics housing 32 as shown in FIG. 3.Similarly, slide 16 of guiderail assembly 5 is fixedly attached toguiderail cover 13 which is pivotably attached to primary enclosure 11via primary enclosure hinges 14.

Guiderail assembly 5 permits centering display screens 10, 20 to effecta dual screen mode when secondary enclosure 22 is extended to an openposition as shown in FIG. 3. Visible in base electronics housing 32 ofdual screen apparatus 30 are keyboard 6, touchpad 3, apparatus powerbutton 1 side by side with secondary display power button 2, and CD-RWunit 7 located on the front left side of dual screen apparatus 30.Touchpad 3, with its associated hardware and software components,functions both as a cursor-pointing device and a scroll control device.Base electronics housing 32 may also hold a processor unit, data storagedevices, and other peripherals. It is generally adapted for placement ona horizontal surface such as a table or lap and may have a more robuststructure than the base electronics housing of a conventional laptopcomputer to firmly support the two display enclosures. Shown flushed andinconspicuous with the side surface of secondary enclosure 22 issecondary enclosure cover 23 which seals the former and protects itagainst dirt and dust. The latching mechanism of primary enclosure 11consists of primary enclosure latch 4 which secures primary enclosure 11against base electronics housing 32 similar to a hook and slot latchingmechanism. Many other prior art latching devices may be adapted toreleasably secure primary enclosure 11 against base electronics housing32. The dual display screen technology of the present invention may beadapted for subcompact laptop computers which ordinarily may have asingle small screen generally in the 8-inch and 13-inch sizes. Byutilizing a multiple monitor apparatus, larger and more texts may bedisplayed on each successive monitor with just a minimal weight added tothe entire unit.

FIG. 2 is a front view of dual screen apparatus 30 of FIG. 1 showingsecondary enclosure 22 partially extended. In a partially extendedposition when essentially halfway of secondary enclosure 22 is extendedout of primary enclosure 11, the latter has also moved towards the leftvia guiderail assembly 5 and continues to move in the same directionuntil secondary enclosure 22 is fully extended and the two displayenclosures are essentially centered such as in a dual screen mode asshown in FIG. 3. In hidden outline are slider arms 12 comprised of upperslider arm 8 and lower slider arm 9 still within primary enclosure 11.Slider arms 8, 9 need not be located at the top or bottom portions as itmay be located inside or hidden in the display enclosure. Fixedlyattached to secondary enclosure 22 is secondary display screen 20 whichis principally intended to double the available visible contentdisplayed on primary display screen 10. A second monitor available ondemand in a mobile package will find a number of applications withinvarious professions such as CAD/CAM, architecture, marketing, softwaredevelopment, medical diagnostics, engineering and scientific pursuits,monitoring applications, and the like.

The second monitor may also be used as a redundant or backup display, asa specialized display to watch multimedia or DVD movies or streamingvideo programming at higher resolutions such as HDTV resolutions; ascreen to display more information or images; a screen to view one ormore TV oriented video channels; and a screen to monitor additionalchannels different from primary display screen 10, for examples, weatherchannels or stock quotes, monitor video from a household securitysystem, or to surf the Internet.

The open and close functions of secondary enclosure 22 may beaccomplished manually by applying power to the display enclosure or viaan electromechanical motor similar to how CD-ROMs and DVD disk trays areopened and closed via remote control or electrically via a switch orthrough software. For example, a user may press secondary display powerbutton 2 or a remote control device (not shown) to extend secondaryenclosure 22 and apply a video signal and power to the unit. Similarly,pressing the button again will cause secondary enclosure 22 to retractinside primary enclosure 11. Alternatively, linear actuators provide apowerful but safe opening and closing of secondary enclosure 22. Alinear guide system with low friction, smooth movement, and low noiseprovides fast and precise transportation of secondary enclosure 22 whenit is extended. The linear guide system may be made tailor fit to anyspecific size and weight. The sliding actuator may be a motor using abelt drive to pull and push secondary enclosure 22; a motor solenoid topush or pull secondary enclosure 22; secondary enclosure 22 with pulleysto add leverage or movement distance; or actuators using gears, rods,rods with worm gear markings, slider assemblies; and slider assemblieswith linear gear markings in one direction. Another alternative foropening and closing secondary enclosure 22 is through software controlsaccessible via a mouse cursor operating on a software interfacedisplayed on the screen or keyboard. Connecting power or signals to oneor more display screens may be carried through via wired or wirelessconnection to base electronics housing 32 which permits the displayenclosures to receive and transmit signals such as the video displaydata and indicator, sensor, control, and diagnostic signals.Alternatively, optical or radio frequency means may connect any detacheddisplay assembly. Wireless connection may also provide and receive datafrom any of the display enclosures or display screens which may have aremote control device.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 30 as displayenclosures 11, 22 are essentially centered in a dual screen mode.Guiderail assembly 5 permits primary enclosure 11 and secondaryenclosure 22 to be essentially centered relative to base electronicshousing 32 and symmetrical about the user. In a dual screen mode,primary display screen 10 may be used in combination with secondarydisplay screen 20 such as for example, when a user opens a MicrosoftWord program in primary display screen 10 and a Microsoft Excel programin secondary display screen 20 simultaneously. The two display screensmay also be used as one large display screen such as when a user prefersto view an image on a large scale or for group presentation purpose. Theuser may also prefer to store secondary enclosure 22 into primaryenclosure 11 and have an off centered primary display screen 10 in orderto have an unobstructed view of the areas on the user's right side. Thisis done in instances where an activity is being monitored such as infactories or assembly lines simultaneous with using the laptop computer.In a dual screen mode, as depicted in FIG. 3, the user utilizes anadditional screen available, such as when secondary enclosure 22 isfully extended and along with primary enclosure 11 are moved to anessentially centered orientation facing the user via guiderail assembly5. The two display screens may be moved off center towards the right orleft still in a dual screen mode when the user wants to monitor anactivity at his side such as in an assembly line or factory. In analternative example of the present invention, a dual screen mode alsoincludes three display screens operating simultaneously but only twodisplays screens are facing the user. For example, a triple screenapparatus may still have a dual screen mode when the primary displayscreen and secondary display screen face the user and a tertiary displayscreen faces the rear such as that shown in FIG. 115.

The present invention also encompasses a triple screen mode in whichthree display screens face the user and other multi-screen modes inwhich multiple combinations of display screens, for example 20 displayscreens, are operating simultaneously. When secondary enclosure 22 isextended as in FIG. 3, upper slider arm 8 and lower slider arm 9 haveessentially exited halfway of primary enclosure 11. The slider armsprevent secondary enclosure 22 from falling off. Secondary enclosure 22and/or guiderail assembly 5 may have a motorized mechanism for extendingand closing secondary enclosure 22 and for moving guiderail assembly 5.The motorized mechanism may be activated automatically upon openingprimary enclosure 11 or the laptop computer, or manually by a press of abutton or software interface by clicking or by remote control. Movementof guiderail assembly 5 may be done through direct contact of the slidewith the rail. The rotational force applied to the rubber coated plasticwheel and the friction and grip of the rubber on the slide permit it tomove in the direction of the rotation until it reaches its stopposition. Alternatively, a toothed spur gear assembly may be applied tomove the slide along the rail. The movement mechanism for guiderailassembly 5 may be similar to the portage mechanism of the typewritercarriage. In the case of guiderail assembly 5, the ribbon and cablemechanism is attached underneath the assembly and allows signals, power,and information to transfer to the display enclosure or data from thedisplay enclosure such as when display is a touch screen. A flexileplastic rod as a pull and push device may also be used to slideguiderail assembly 5 from right to left to properly center displayenclosures 11, 22 relative to base electronics housing 32. A similarplastic push and pull rod may be adapted to fully extend or closesecondary enclosure 22. The flexile plastic rod may need to ride along aslotted guide to keep the rod from flexing or buckling while it ispushing secondary enclosure 22 or the guiderail assembly which may belocated either above or below the primary enclosure hinge. Motors,actuators, and solenoids may be applied to effectuate a push and/or pulloperation on all moving assemblies in dual screen apparatus 30.Supplying a suitable tension or torque to the guiderail assemblymechanism may be accomplished via springs, pulleys, and gear trains.Grease application or anti-friction devices such as ball bearings,plastic sleeves, polymer strips, dry lubricants or Teflon may be used toreduce friction and ensure fast, quiet and smooth movement duringopening and closing of secondary enclosure 22 and sliding of guiderailassembly 5. Apparatus power button 1 and secondary display power button2 located at the left portion of guiderail assembly 5, may bealternatively located on base electronics housing 32 such as adjacent totouchpad 3.

FIG. 4 is a front view of dual screen apparatus 30 of FIG. 3.Essentially half of upper slider arm 8 and lower slider arm 9 areslidably positioned to secondary enclosure 22 and the other half insideprimary enclosure 11 (shown in hidden outline) as they prevent secondaryenclosure 22 from falling off. Also shown in hidden outline is theportion of slide 16 resting on rail 15 (not shown) of guiderail assembly5.

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a schematic front view progression of secondaryenclosure 22 as it is moved from a closed (stored) position withinprimary enclosure 11, to a partially open (partially extended) position,to an open (extended) position, then to an essentially centered positionof display enclosures 11, 22 with respect to base electronics housing32. In the schematic representations of FIGS. 5-11, guiderail assembly 5is raised to show clearly the details associated with primary enclosure11 and secondary enclosure 22. Guiderail assembly 5 is normally flushedwith the top surface of base electronics housing 32.

Accordingly, FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus30 of FIG. 1. In a single screen mode, such as in FIG. 5, primarydisplay screen 10 is functional and faces the user while secondaryenclosure 22 which contains secondary display screen 20 is in its closedposition within primary enclosure 11. The hidden outline representsguiderail assembly 5 of dual screen apparatus 30, which for the purposeof illustration, is elevated. Display screens 10, 20 have been removedin FIGS. 6-11 in the schematic representation to depict the mechanism ofsecondary enclosure 22 as it resides inside primary enclosure 11 and asit is extended via slider arms 8, 9. FIGS. 5-11 as shown, depictguiderail cover 13, rail 15, and slide 16 as one mechanism of guiderailassembly 5.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 of FIG. 5showing the positions of slider arms 12 and secondary enclosure 22within primary enclosure 11. Slider arms 12 is comprised of upper sliderarm 8 and lower slider arm 9 represented in hidden outline resting onupper edge and lower edge of secondary enclosure 22 respectively withinprimary enclosure 11. Primary enclosure cavity 19 receives secondaryenclosure 22 in the latter's stored or closed position. Secondaryenclosure 22 and movable slider arms 8, 9 are not visible when secondaryenclosure 22 is in a closed position or inside primary enclosure 11.Essentially, portions of slider arms 8, 9 are visible when secondaryenclosure 22 is extended as in FIG. 7. Slider arms 8, 9 also function asa detent mechanism that prevents secondary enclosure 22 from fallingoff. The entire portion of secondary enclosure 22 may be extended asslider arms 8, 9 prevent secondary enclosure 22 from falling off. Alsoshown in FIG. 6 is secondary enclosure 22 received by primary enclosurecavity 19 within primary enclosure 11.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 of FIG. 2.Portions of slider arms 8, 9 are visible when secondary enclosure 22 ispartially extended. Slider arms 8, 9 permit the entire area of secondaryenclosure 22 to be out of primary enclosure 11 as shown in FIG. 8 andprevent it from falling off. Slider arms 8, 9 operate independently fromprimary enclosure 11 and secondary enclosure 22 such that in a partiallyextended position of secondary enclosure 22 as shown in FIG. 7, sliderarms 8, 9 may be slid back inside primary enclosure 11. Slider arms 8, 9may be slidably positioned with their respective upper friction sleeve17 and lower friction sleeve 18 (both not shown) attached along primaryenclosure 11 and secondary enclosure 22 as depicted in the crosssectional view in FIG. 19. The outline or shape of upper slider arm maybe the same or different from that of lower slider arm as illustrated inthe various examples in FIGS. 21-30. The slider arms may be made ofplastic and formed, cut, or preferably molded. A slider arm made ofplastic may generate lower noise, be self-lubricating, have reducedweight and inertia, and have increased drive efficiency. In a partiallyextended position of secondary enclosure 22, as shown in FIG. 7, primaryenclosure 11 remains stationary.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 showingsecondary enclosure 22 extended and primary enclosure 11 stationary in adual screen mode. From the partially extended position in FIG. 7,secondary enclosure 22 is fully extended and functional with slider arms8, 9 essentially midway out of secondary enclosure 22. As explainedearlier, when secondary enclosure 22 is fully extended, the two displayscreens may operate as one in a dual screen mode. The separating edgebetween primary enclosure 11 and secondary enclosure 22 may have aminimal pixel to pixel gap such as 3-10 mm, thus, permitting the twodisplay screens to function as one. In a dual screen mode when secondaryenclosure 22 is fully extended, as shown in FIG. 8, primary enclosure 11remains stationary.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 of FIGS.3-4. From the original position in FIG. 8 where it is stationary,primary enclosure 11 is moved towards the left by guiderail assembly 5to arrange display enclosures 11, 22 to an essentially centered positionrelative to base electronics housing 32. In a dual screen mode, primarydisplay screens 10, 20 may be used as one display screen or both may beused separately at the same time.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 showingdetails of enclosure stop pins 24, 25 and slider arm stop 26. Sliderarms 8, 9 are shown flanked by primary enclosure stop pins 24 andsecondary enclosure stop pins 25 positioned in a way that slider armstop 26 catches enclosure stop pins 24, 25 as secondary enclosure 22exits primary enclosure 11. For purpose of illustration, enclosure stoppins 24, 25 and slider arm stop 26 are not shown in other examples ofslider arms.

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 30 showinghow slider arms 8, 9 and secondary enclosure 22 are prevented fromfalling off the unit. Slider arms 8, 9 are precisely positioned so as tocatch primary enclosure stop pins 24 and secondary enclosure stop pins25 respectively when secondary enclosure 22 is exited from primaryenclosure 11. As slider arm stop 26 catches primary enclosure stop pins24 it stops the motion of slider arms 8, 9 to prevent them from fallingoff the unit. Slider arm stop 26 also catches secondary enclosure stoppins 25 to prevent secondary enclosure 22 from being detached from theunit. Partial phantom line representation of upper slider arm 8 andlower partial phantom line representation of secondary enclosure 22 areshown associated with movement arrows 27, 28 respectively. Movementarrow 27 indicates movement of slider arms 8, 9 from a stored positionin FIG. 10 to an extended position as in FIG. 11. Movement arrow 28indicates movement of secondary enclosure 22 with respect to lowerslider arm 9 as it is moved from its stored position in FIG. 10 to itsextended position as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 40 incorporatingguiderail assembly 35 attached at bottom of primary enclosure 41 andabove primary enclosure hinge 14. Guiderail assembly 35 of FIG. 12 iscomprised of guiderail cover 43 which protects the former from dust anddirt, rail 45 or the stationary portion, and slide 46 which is slidablypositioned along rail 45. Guiderail assembly 35 is distinguished fromguiderail assembly 5 of FIG. 1 by its location which is at bottom ofprimary enclosure 41 and above primary enclosure hinge 14. Guiderailassembly 35 is functionally similar to guiderail assembly 5 as describedin FIG. 1 in respect to rail portion which are both stationary and slideportion which are both attached to the lower portion of primaryenclosure 41.

FIG. 13 is a front view of dual screen apparatus 40 of FIG. 12 assecondary enclosure 22 is partially extended and primary enclosure 41 ismoved towards the left. When secondary enclosure 22 is partiallyextended, such as that shown in FIG. 13, slider arms 8, 9 are stillwithin primary enclosure 41 as depicted in hidden outline. Primaryenclosure 41 has started to move towards the left by the action of slide46 to essentially center display enclosures 41, 22 in preparation forthe dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 15. The hidden lines above primaryenclosure hinge 14 indicate the termination of rail 45 and slide 46.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 40 of FIG. 12 asprimary enclosure 41 is shifted to the left in preparation for secondaryenclosure 22 being extended. Primary enclosure 41 is essentiallycentered with respect to the left side of base electronics housing 42 assecondary enclosure 22 is still within primary enclosure 41. In thesingle screen mode, as in FIG. 14, primary display screen 10 may bepowered on to allow the user to have an unobstructed view of the rightportion areas such as when the user is monitoring an activity in afactory or an assembly line.

FIG. 15 is a front view of dual screen apparatus 40 in a dual screenmode as display enclosures 41, 22 are essentially centered. Essentiallyhalf of slider arms 8, 9 is out of primary enclosure 41 while theremaining portions are shown in hidden outline. Slide 46 of guiderailassembly 35 is also shown essentially halfway out of base electronicshousing 42 as primary enclosure 41 and secondary enclosure 22 areessentially centered relative to base electronics housing 42. In thedual screen mode, such as in FIG. 15, the two display screens may beused as one display screen or two discrete display screens at the sametime.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an example of a dual screen apparatus without aguiderail assembly showing progression of secondary enclosure 22 as itis moved from a closed (stored) position, to a partially open (partiallyextended) position, then to an open (extended) position. Primaryenclosure 11 of dual screen apparatus 47 is stationary unlike theprimary enclosure shown in FIGS. 1-15 that may be moved laterally.

Accordingly, FIG. 16 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 47without a guiderail assembly in single screen mode. Primary enclosure 11of dual screen apparatus 47 is shown rotatably attached to baseelectronics housing 48 via primary enclosure hinge 14. Front view ofdual screen apparatus 47 resembles a conventional laptop computer butwith two display screens fixedly attached to their respective displayenclosures as shown in FIG. 18. As in the earlier examples, dual screenapparatus 47 is generally used in the same manner as any two LCD panelsadjacent to each other is used such as, for example, in the financialmarket where two or more display screens or monitors are arranged sideby side to monitor stock market activities. In FIG. 16, primary displayscreen 10 is prominently visible while secondary display screen 20 ishidden. In a single screen mode of dual screen apparatus 47, primarydisplay screen 10 may be used as a typical display screen associatedwith a laptop computer.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 47 with secondaryenclosure 22 in a partially open (partially extended) position.Secondary enclosure 22 is shown partially extended in its partially openposition as portions of slider arms 8, 9 have exited primary enclosure11. The movement mechanism for opening secondary enclosure 22 of dualscreen apparatus 47 is similar to that described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 47 as secondaryenclosure 22 is extended and primary enclosure 11 is stationary in adual screen mode. In a dual screen mode, such as in FIG. 18, secondaryenclosure 22 is extended so that the two display screens may be used asone display screen or two discrete display screens at the same time.Secondary enclosure cover 23 is projected out as separated fromsecondary enclosure 22 to show the shape of the latter. Secondaryenclosure cover 23 hides secondary enclosure 22 as it is flushed to itsside surface when in a closed position as in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 19-30 are schematic cross sectional views of alternative designsof the primary enclosure, secondary enclosure, slider arms, hinges, andfriction sleeves located either at the upper or lower portion or bothdisplay enclosures. The examples may be adapted to strengthen thedurability and reliability of the dual screen apparatus or to adjust thedesign for manufacturing or cost considerations.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross sectional view of primary enclosure 11 andsecondary enclosure 22 taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 6. Secondaryenclosure 22 is shown within primary enclosure cavity 19 of primaryenclosure 11. Also shown is associated display electronics 21 attachedto the respective primary display screen 10 and secondary display screen20.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross sectional view of upper slider arm 8, lowerslider arm 9 and secondary enclosure 22 taken along lines 20-20 of FIG.7. Slider arms 8, 9 are depicted holding secondary enclosure 22 as thelatter is partially extended out of primary enclosure 11 (as shown inFIG. 7).

FIG. 21 depicts an example in which the design of the slider arm affectsthe design of the secondary enclosure and the friction sleeve. As upperslider arm 53 is shown shaped like an H and lower slider arm 54 isshaped like a C, the top portion of secondary enclosure 56 and upperfriction sleeve 17 may have a straight edge while the bottom portion andlower friction sleeve 55 may have a semi-circular shape.

FIG. 22 points to both aesthetic and structural concerns in which lowerslider arm 58 is hidden and thus, may lessen wear and tear since theuser cannot snag or tear the slider arms.

FIG. 23 is an example of how lower friction sleeve 63 follows the shapeof lower slider arm 64 indicating that the sleeve may be molded.

FIG. 24 is an example of secondary enclosure 66 not enclosed withinprimary enclosure 65 but is connected by upper slider arm 67 and lowerslider arm 68. Primary enclosure 65 protects secondary display screen 20even if it does not enclose secondary enclosure 66. There is no need forthe friction sleeve as secondary enclosure 66 is not enclosed.

FIG. 25 shows an example different shapes for the slider arm andfriction sleeve for top and bottom portions. Shown are two L shapedlower friction sleeves 70, 74, an open rectangular shape for lowerslider arm 73 and a semi-circular shapes for upper friction sleeve 71,upper slider arm 72. The shapes of both upper slider arm 72 and upperfriction sleeve 71 are different from their corresponding lower parts.

FIG. 26 shows an example in which W shaped slider arms 78, 79 are theones holding on to friction sleeves 77, 80.

FIG. 27 is an alternative example of an elongated slider support 83 toextend secondary enclosure 82. Slider support 83 may be a metal sheetsince it is elongated. Friction insert 84 prevents slider support 83from sliding or rubbing the back of secondary enclosure 82. Frictioninsert 84 functions similarly to a friction sleeve such as in reducingnoise, wear and tear of the slider, and ensuring that secondaryenclosure 82 may be extended from primary enclosure 81 smoothly withouta jerk. Slider support 83 is an alternative for the upper and lowerslider arms.

FIG. 28 is an example of same slider arms 87 and friction sleeves 88 fortop and bottom of two independent display enclosures. Primary displayscreen 10 of primary enclosure 85 is visible to the user. Secondaryenclosure 86 is secured to primary enclosure 85 via slider arms 87 butis not enclosed by the latter similar to that shown in FIG. 24. Displayenclosures 85, 86 may be moved left or right to effect a dual screenmode.

FIG. 29 depicts three display enclosures with three displays screens andwith only lower slider arm 73 to extend secondary enclosure 92 andtertiary enclosure 93. Primary enclosure 90 encapsulates secondaryenclosure 92 and tertiary enclosure 93 in a single screen mode in whichprimary display screen 10 faces the user. Display enclosures 92, 93 maybe extended via lower slider arms 73 for the dual screen or triplescreen mode. Upper friction sleeve 91 and lower friction sleeve 94ensure smooth opening and closing of display enclosures 92, 93 andslider arm 73 respectively.

FIG. 30 shows an example primary enclosure 101 and secondary enclosure102 housed within display enclosure 100 and protective screen 103.Protective screen 103 may be made of polycarbonate plastic, transparentglass, steel, opaque, or fiberglass. In the case of transparent glass,the user may right away see what is displayed on the monitor which maybe as an important announcement or instructions. The main function ofprotective screen 103 is to protect primary display screen 10 such as inan industrial setting where the display screen is exposed and frequentlyused. Display enclosures 101, 102 may be extended out of displayenclosure 100 via upper and lower slider arms 73 similar to that shownin FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31-40 are schematic cross sectional views of alternativearrangements and designs of the guiderail cover, slide, and railcomponents of the guiderail assembly. Each variation may be used addressdesign or manufacturing considerations such as cost or mechanism weightor to improve the durability and reliability of the components of theguiderail assembly. It should be apparent that further alternativearrangements of the components or mechanisms shown in FIGS. 19-40, 212,and 213 are possible.

FIG. 31 is a partial schematic cross sectional view of primary enclosure11 and base electronics housing 32 taken along lines 31-31 of FIG. 2showing the position of guiderail assembly 5. Guiderail assembly 5 isshown flushed with the surface of base electronics housing 32 andpivotably attached to primary enclosure 11 via primary enclosure hinge14. Primary enclosure hinges 14 are fixedly attached to guiderail cover13. The bottom edge of primary enclosure 11 may alternatively be shapedlike a square as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In FIG. 2, secondary enclosure 22is partially extended and slide 16 of guiderail assembly 5 is alsopartially moved towards the left along with primary enclosure 11 inpreparation for the dual screen mode.

FIGS. 32-34 are alternative examples of the slide, rail, and guiderailcover of the guiderail assembly shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 32 shows anexample inverted T shape of slide 106 and rail 107. The shape design ofslide 106 and rail 107 essentially provides a strong hold which may alsofunction to emit optical lasers for transferring data to the displayscreens above or may provide power for the display screens. FIG. 33 isan example rail 112 that is matched or fitted to slide 111. FIG. 34 isan alternative example of the slide and rail design shown in FIG. 33 inan inverted position. Slide 116 covers rail 117 with the latter screwfixed to base electronics housing 119 via guiderail fastener 44. Inbetween the top and bottom portions of slide 116 and rail 117 is a spacewhich may be reserved for electronics. This set-up provides a lighterweight for base electronics housing 119. FIG. 35 is an alternativeexample of the slide and rail design shown in FIG. 34. The space betweenthe slide and the rail in FIG. 34 is consumed by base electronicshousing 124 making guiderail cover 123 slimmer. Slide 121 also coversrail 122. FIG. 36 is an alternative example of the slide and rail designsimilar to that shown in FIG. 35. Unlike in FIG. 35, a hinged secondaryenclosure 92 is shown stored within primary enclosure 126.

FIGS. 37-40 are partial schematic cross sectional views of a guiderailassembly attached to the bottom of the primary enclosure and pivotablyattached to the base electronics housing via and above the primaryenclosure hinge. Accordingly, FIG. 37 is a partial schematic crosssectional view of primary enclosure 41 and base electronics housing 42taken along lines 37-37 of FIG. 13. In FIG. 37, slide 46 is shownslidably received by rail 45 on top of primary enclosure hinge 14.

FIG. 38 is an alternative example of the slide and rail design shown inFIG. 37. Rail 133 and slide 132 are shaped like an S and T respectivelyand slidably attached to each other's surfaces. FIG. 39 is an examplehow the upper parts of slide 137 and rail 138 are designed in such amanner that the two parts lock. FIG. 40 is an example two slides 142 andtwo rails 143 located on opposite sides. The cylindrical cavity formedby cable conduit 49 is used to transfer information to primary enclosure141 and secondary enclosure 22.

FIGS. 41-62 are examples of the single hinge, double hinge, and swivelhinge designs or a combination thereof as applied to the primaryenclosure and the secondary enclosure. The hinge designs may be used toattach the primary enclosure to the base electronics housing or to holdthe secondary enclosure and prevent it from being detached from the unitas it is exited from the primary enclosure. The hinge designs may alsobe used to rotate the two display enclosures for adjusting the displayscreens for fine contrast and legibility such as in the single screenmode or dual screen mode. The secondary enclosure is still housed withinthe primary enclosure, in accordance with the first preferred embodimentof the present invention. FIGS. 41-62 are all schematic representationsthat depict a guiderail assembly below the primary enclosure hinge. Aguiderail assembly may also be mounted above the primary enclosure hingeas depicted in FIGS. 12-15. The different hinge designs described inFIGS. 41-61 may also be used to replace the slider arms in extending thesecondary enclosure from the primary enclosure. In FIGS. 41-62 thedesign of the base electronics housing is constant, only the design ofthe primary enclosure and the secondary enclosure changes. This enablesa consumer to choose from among different display screen designs, eachof a specific screen size and resolution and the manner the displayenclosures are packaged, be they with hinges or guiderail mechanisms.Manufacturers of the dual screen apparatus allow differences in displayscreen designs, screen resolutions, and screen technology which may beretrofitted to a conventional laptop.

Accordingly, FIG. 41 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus150 incorporating a double hinge design for both primary enclosure 151and secondary enclosure 152. Secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153connects to secondary enclosure 152 via hinge pin 34 which also servesas a route for the display cable to pass, while primary enclosure 11 isattached to base electronics housing 32 via primary enclosure hinge 14.In the stored position, secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 isslidably positioned at the end of supporting rod 155. Primary enclosurecavity 156 receives secondary enclosure 152 in its closed or storedposition. In a single screen mode of dual screen apparatus 150, such asin FIG. 41, primary enclosure 151 may be rotated in the direction ofprimary enclosure hinge rotation axis 157 to adjust the angle of primarydisplay screen 10 (not shown) for contrast and fine viewing. Secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 153 and primary enclosure hinge 14 are doublehinge designs. In the schematic representation, primary display screen10 has been removed to show the double hinge set-up of secondaryenclosure 152 and the two supporting rods 155 which slidably receivesecondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 when secondary enclosure 152 isextended or withdrawn. Shown in hidden outline is the approximateposition of secondary display screen 20 in relation to secondaryenclosure 152. Also shown is guiderail assembly 5 in hidden outline inits stationary position.

FIG. 42 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 150 of FIG.41 showing primary enclosure 151 and secondary enclosure 152 essentiallycentered in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153holds secondary enclosure 152 when the latter is extended and preventsit from being detached from the apparatus. Secondary enclosure hingeassembly 153 may contain the electronics for secondary display screen20. When secondary enclosure 152 is extended, secondary enclosure hingeassembly 153 slides through supporting rod 155 stopping at a point whenthe entire portion of secondary enclosure 152 is out of primaryenclosure 151. The double hinge portion of the assembly is then exposed.Secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 may be mounted in its ownguiderail and need not slide along supporting rod 155. Supporting rod155, which is fixed and stationary on both ends, is representative onlyof the rail and thus, may be removed. Secondary enclosure hinge assembly153 slides along supporting rod 155 in the same manner to, for example,how an ink cartridge slides back and forth along a supporting rod in anink jet printer or plotter. As secondary enclosure 152 is extended,guiderail assembly 5 is also moved towards the left to adjust the twodisplay enclosures essentially centered relative to base electronicshousing 32 for the dual screen mode. In this position, primary enclosure151 may be rotated forward or backward essentially along primaryenclosure hinge rotation axis 157.

FIG. 43 is another schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 150 ofFIG. 42 showing primary display screen 10 and the positions of secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 153 and primary enclosure hinge 14. Primarydisplay screen 10 and secondary display screen 20 are shown facing theuser in the dual screen mode. The two display screens may be made of thesame material, have the same weight, or have the same size unlike in theschematic representation in which secondary display screen 20 appearssmaller than primary display screen 10. They may function as one displayscreen or two discrete display screens.

FIG. 44 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 150 of FIGS. 42-43showing the rotation movements of secondary enclosure 152. In the dualscreen mode, secondary enclosure 152 may be rotated forward or away fromthe user and backward or towards the user via secondary enclosure hingeassembly 153 to adjust secondary display screen 20 for fine contrast andlegibility. Secondary enclosure 152 may be rotated forward or away fromthe user at phantom line representation 154 essentially along secondaryenclosure rotation direction arrow 36. Such a rotation may be intended,if for example, the user has other viewers at the right side that needto see secondary display screen 20 more legibly. Secondary enclosure 152may be rotated backward or towards the user at phantom linerepresentation 159 essentially along secondary enclosure rotationdirection arrow 37 so that secondary enclosure 152 is angled towards theuser. Primary enclosure 151 may be moved either to the left or right viaguiderail assembly 5.

FIG. 45 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 160 showingan alternative example of single hinge design for secondary enclosure162. The double hinge primary enclosure design of the dual screenapparatus shown in FIGS. 41-44 is retained while a single solidsecondary enclosure hinge assembly 161 replaces the secondary enclosuredouble hinge design. In the schematic representation of FIG. 45,secondary enclosure hinge assembly 161 connects to secondary enclosure162 similar to that shown in FIGS. 41-44. The design of secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 161 is suitable to house more electronics forsecondary display screen 20. In FIG. 45, secondary enclosure 162 isreceived by primary enclosure cavity 156 within primary enclosure 151 inits stored or closed position. Also shown is secondary enclosure hingeassembly 161 slidably positioned at end portion of supporting rod 155.

FIG. 46 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 160 of FIG.45 showing display enclosures 151, 162 essentially centered in a dualscreen mode. From its stored or closed position in FIG. 45, secondaryenclosure 162 is extended out of primary enclosure 151 as secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 161 slides along from one end to the other endof supporting rod 155. The pair of supporting rods 155 is shown as theyprevent secondary enclosure hinge assembly 161 from falling off. Thelatter holds secondary enclosure 162 and likewise prevents it from beingdetached from the unit. In a dual screen mode, display enclosures 151,162 are essentially centered relative to base electronics housing 32.Secondary enclosure 162 may be rotated forward or backward to adjustsecondary display screen 20 for fine viewing via secondary enclosurehinge assembly 161 essentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotationaxis 158.

FIG. 47 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 165 showinganother alternative example of a single hinge design for secondaryenclosure 166. The double hinge design for primary enclosure 151 asshown in FIGS. 41-46 is retained while the position of its single hingedesign for the secondary enclosure has been reversed. In FIG. 47,secondary enclosure 166 is connected to secondary enclosure hingeassembly 167 via hinge pin 34. In its stored position, secondaryenclosure 166 is shown received by primary enclosure cavity 156 withinprimary enclosure 151 and secondary enclosure hinge assembly 167 isshown slidably positioned at the end portion of supporting rod 155.

FIG. 48 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 165 of FIG.47 in a dual screen mode. In the schematic representation, primarydisplay screen 10 has been removed to show the two supporting rods 155and as secondary enclosure hinge assembly 167 slid along it to exitsecondary enclosure 166 from primary enclosure 151. Guiderail assembly 5has moved primary enclosure 151 towards the left to essentially centerthe two display enclosures for the dual screen mode. In the dual screenmode, secondary enclosure 166 may be rotated forward or away from theuser and backward or towards the user to adjust secondary display screen20 for fine viewing via secondary enclosure hinge assembly 167essentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotation axis 158. Secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 167 holds secondary enclosure 166 in itsextended position and prevents it from being detached from the unit.

FIG. 49 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 170 showingan example of a swivel hinge design for secondary enclosure 172.Secondary enclosure swivel hinge 173 is shown attached to swivel hingesupporting member 171 via hinge pin 34 and to secondary enclosure 172via hinge stem 29. Hinge stem 29 serves as the pivot point which allowssecondary enclosure 172 to be rotated. Secondary enclosure swivel hinge173 is similar in function to, for example, the swivel hinge found inLCD displays in camcorders or in digital video recorders. Supporting rod155 slidably receives swivel hinge supporting member 171 as secondaryenclosure 172 is stored within primary enclosure cavity 156 of primaryenclosure 151. Swivel hinge supporting member 171 is more solid andthicker as compared to the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 47 or in FIG.52, thus, the width of secondary enclosure 172 may be lessened for it tofit primary enclosure cavity 156. In a single screen mode, the user mayrotate primary enclosure 151 forward or away from the user and backwardor towards the user essentially along primary enclosure hinge rotationaxis 157 to adjust primary display screen 10 for contrast and fineviewing. The double hinge design for primary enclosure 151 as shown inFIGS. 41-48 is retained.

FIG. 50 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 170 of FIG.49 in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure 172 has been exited fromprimary enclosure 151 via swivel hinge supporting member 171 slidingthrough supporting rod 155. As shown in FIG. 50, secondary enclosure 172is hingely attached to swivel hinge supporting member 171 via secondaryenclosure swivel hinge 173 through hinge stem 29 and may be rotated withtwo degrees of freedom. It may be rotated forward or backward and up ordown essentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotation axis 158relative to hinge pin 34 and hinge stem 29 which serve as pivot points.Thus, secondary enclosure 172 may be rotated approximately 180 degreesso that secondary display screen 20 faces the rear. Dual screenapparatus 170 of FIG. 50 is in a dual screen mode as display enclosures151, 172 face the user and essentially centered relative to baseelectronics housing 32.

FIG. 51 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 175 showingan alternative example of the secondary enclosure swivel hinge design ofFIGS. 49-50. Secondary enclosure swivel hinge 173 is shown connected tosecondary enclosure 176 via hinge pin 34 and to swivel hinge supportingmember 177 via hinge stem 29, which is in the reversed position ascompared to that shown in FIGS. 49-50. Unlike the swivel hingesupporting member shown in FIGS. 49-50, in FIG. 51 it is essentiallyslimmer and less robust, thus, permitting a larger area for secondaryenclosure 176. In a single screen mode, as in FIG. 51, the user mayrotate primary enclosure 151 forward or away from the user and backwardor towards the user essentially along primary enclosure hinge rotationaxis 157 to adjust primary display screen 10 (not shown) for contrastand fine viewing.

FIG. 52 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 175 of FIG.51 in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure 176 is extended andprimary enclosure 151 is moved towards the left via guiderail assembly 5to essentially center display enclosures 151, 176 relative to baseelectronics housing 32. In this position, secondary enclosure 176 may berotated similar to that shown in FIG. 50 with two degrees of freedom. Itmay be rotated forward or backward and up or down essentially alongsecondary enclosure hinge rotation axis 158.

FIG. 53 is a schematic side view of dual screen apparatus 175 of FIG. 52showing rotation movements of secondary enclosure 176. As displayenclosures 151, 176 are essentially centered in a dual screen mode,secondary enclosure 176 may be rotated up or down via hinge stem 29which serve as the pivot point. Secondary enclosure phantom linerepresentation 178 indicates the position that secondary enclosure 176may be rotated upward at an angle essentially along secondary enclosurerotation direction arrow 187 such that secondary display screen 20 facesthe upper part of the user. Secondary enclosure phantom linerepresentation 179 indicates the position that secondary enclosure 176may be further rotated upward essentially along secondary enclosurerotation direction arrow 189 such that secondary display screen 20 facesthe back or a viewer facing the back of primary enclosure 151. In thisposition, secondary display screen 20 is aimed at a viewer or audiencefacing the user while the user is viewing primary display screen 10.Secondary enclosure swivel hinge 173 is not continuous as typically therotation is not more than 360 degrees. However, the application of fiberoptics technology may make secondary enclosure 176 rotate continuouslyin any direction and still function effectively.

FIG. 54 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 175 of FIG. 53showing secondary enclosure 176 facing the top of the user in a dualscreen mode. Dual screen apparatus 175 of FIG. 54 is in its dual screenmode as display enclosures 151, 176 are operational facing the user andessentially centered relative to base electronics housing 32. Primaryenclosure 151 is tilted at an angle facing the user. Secondary enclosure176 is angled facing the top of the user, similar to the positiondepicted by secondary enclosure phantom line representation 178 as shownin FIG. 53. In this position, guiderail assembly 5 may be moved towardsthe left or right to adjust display screens 10, 20 according to theuser's preference.

FIG. 55 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 180 showingan alternative example double hinge design for secondary enclosure 182.In FIG. 55, secondary enclosure 182 is the one mounted to secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 181 via three hinge pins 34 as compared to thatshown in FIGS. 41-44 in which secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 isattached to secondary enclosure 152. The hidden outline represents cableassembly 184 which is a representation of a cable wire for electronicspassing through the space allotted for hinge pin 34. Cable assembly 184may contain fiber optics or hair thin wires that send, for example,video signals, status information or voltage requirement to the displayscreens. It functions both as an input and output cable, for example, asan input cable in case of a touch screen sensitive secondary displayscreen 20. Cable assembly 184 illustrates how hinge pin 34 was removedto permit the cable to weave through the display enclosure withoutexposing the wirings. Supporting rod 155 may also be used to sendsignals through primary enclosure hinge 14 via wired or wirelessconnection. For example, the rod may cause the signals to modulatethrough a wireless module.

FIG. 56 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 180 of FIG.55 in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure hinge assembly 181 holdssecondary enclosure 182 and prevents it from being detached from theunit as the latter is extended out of primary enclosure 151. Secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 181 permits secondary enclosure 182 to berotated forward or away from the user and backward or towards the useressentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotation axis 158. In a dualscreen mode, guiderail assembly 5 has moved towards the left to arrangedisplay enclosures 151, 182 to an essentially centered position relativeto base electronics housing 32.

FIG. 57 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 185 showingan example of a swivel hinge design for primary enclosure 186. Primaryenclosure 186 is shown attached to guiderail assembly 38 via primaryenclosure swivel hinge 188. In a single screen mode, when primarydisplay screen 10 (not shown) is the only display screen available,primary enclosure 186 may be rotated via primary enclosure swivel hinge188 with two degrees of freedom. It may be rotated forward or backwardand sideways essentially along primary enclosure hinge rotation axis157. Secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 connects to secondaryenclosure 152 and prevents it form being detached from the unit. Thedouble hinge design is similar to that shown in FIGS. 41-44.

FIG. 58 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 185 of FIG.57 in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure 152 is shown extended andprevented from being detached from the unit by secondary enclosure hingeassembly 153. In the dual screen mode, in which the two display screensare available and facing the user, secondary enclosure 152 may berotated forward or away from the user and backward or towards the useressentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotation axis 158. Secondaryhinge assembly 153 slides through supporting rod 155 as secondaryenclosure 152 is extended similar to that described in FIGS. 41-44.

FIG. 59 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 190 showingan example of a swivel hinge design for both display enclosures 186,176. Secondary enclosure swivel hinge 173 connects to secondaryenclosure 176 via hinge pin 34 that permits the latter to be exited fromprimary enclosure 186, similar to that shown in FIGS. 51-54. Secondaryenclosure swivel hinge 173 is shown attached to swivel hinge supportingmember 177 via hinge stem 29. Primary enclosure swivel hinge 188 issimilar to that shown in FIGS. 57-58 and similarly may be rotated withtwo degrees of freedom. This enables primary enclosure 186 to be rotatedsideways and forward or backward similar to that shown in FIG. 57essentially along primary enclosure hinge rotation axis 157.

FIG. 60 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 190 of FIG.59 in a dual screen mode. In a dual screen mode, secondary enclosure 176is exited from primary enclosure 186 from its former position in FIG. 59as display enclosures 186, 176 are essentially centered relative to baseelectronics housing 32. Secondary enclosure 176 may be rotated up ordown via hinge stem 29 as pivot point and forward or backward via hinge34 as pivot point essentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotationaxis 158.

FIG. 61 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 185 of FIG. 58. Shown isprimary enclosure 186 rotated at an angle towards the user via primaryenclosure swivel hinge 188. Primary enclosure 186 is tilted back androtated a bit facing right while secondary enclosure 152 is facingtowards the user at left or the person behind the user. Displayenclosures 186, 152 are essentially centered relative to baseelectronics housing 32 as the guiderail assembly is shifted to the leftin a dual screen mode. The guiderail assembly may also be moved to theright to adjust display enclosures 186, 152 according to the user'spreference angle.

FIG. 62 is top view of dual screen apparatus 190 of FIG. 60. Primaryenclosure 186 is tilted upward and rotated a bit to the left facing theuser via primary enclosure swivel hinge 188 while secondary enclosure176 is tilted towards the user via secondary enclosure hinge assembly173. In a dual screen mode, such as in FIG. 62, the guiderail assemblyhas moved towards the left to arrange display enclosures 186, 176 to anessentially centered orientation. The guiderail assembly may also beshifted towards the right to adjust display enclosures 186, 176according to the user's preference.

FIG. 63 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 195 showing an extendedsecondary enclosure 152 and a curved guiderail assembly 193. Secondaryenclosure 152 is shown extended out of primary enclosure 151 viasecondary enclosure hinge assembly 153 similar to that shown in FIGS.41-44. When in its extended position, secondary enclosure 152 may berotated forward or away from the user and backward or towards the uservia secondary enclosure hinge assembly 153. Secondary enclosure phantomline representation 154 indicates the position that secondary enclosure152 may be moved forward or away from the user essentially alongsecondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 36. This set-up is suitablewhen there are viewers at the right side of the user. Secondaryenclosure phantom line representation 159 indicates the position thatsecondary enclosure 152 may be moved towards the user or to the personbehind the user for adjusting secondary display screen 20 essentiallyalong secondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 37. Secondaryenclosure hinge assembly 153 may be connected to secondary enclosure152, the former may slide along a supporting rod 155 located withinprimary enclosure 151. Also shown is curved guiderail assembly 193 inits stationary position below primary enclosure 151, although the latteris not curved to the user's view.

FIG. 64 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 195 of FIG. 63 in a dualscreen mode. Curved guiderail assembly 193 generally provides naturalturning and symmetrical viewing of the two display screens (not shown).It rides on a projected line called projected guiderail curvature 199which shows the range of movement of primary enclosure 151. Curvedguiderail assembly 193 may be moved to a comfortable position to theleft or right to suit viewing needs. Curved guiderail extension arrow183 indicates how far curved guiderail assembly 193 has extended to theleft as dual screen apparatus 195 is brought to its dual screen mode.Guiderail radius 198, typically about 0.8 meters to 2.0 meters, is thedistance between the center and the circumference of projected guiderailcurvature 199. User 191 may be located within guiderail radius 198 toeffectively view both the display screens. In the dual screen mode ofdual screen apparatus 195, curved guiderail assembly 193 has movedtowards the left to arrange display enclosures 151, 152 to anessentially centered orientation relative to base electronics housing192. Secondary enclosure 152 has been rotated from its position in FIG.63 as indicated by phantom line representation 196 essentially alongsecondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 197 to counteract the angleof primary enclosure 151 and to even the angle of display enclosures151, 152 so user 191 may see both the display screens at the same time.Thus, secondary enclosure 152 has been aligned to user 191 in the samemanner that curved guiderail assembly 193 followed projected guiderailcurvature 199 to essentially center display enclosures 151, 152 whendual screen apparatus 195 is in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 65 is an isometric view of dual screen apparatus 200 showing anextended specialized secondary enclosure 204 in a dual screen mode.Secondary display screen 202 of secondary enclosure 204 is especiallysuited for high resolution displays such as multi-color graphic imagesor for movie editing while primary display screen 10 of primaryenclosure 201 is used as a normal display screen. Secondary enclosure204 may have a different display technology that is suited to adifferent application. For example, secondary display screen 202 mayhave a different aspect ratio such as 16:9 aspect ratio which is moresuited to HDTV or some DVD cinema style movies. Aspect ratio is definedas the ratio of the width to the height of an image in a televisionscreen. Secondary display screen 202 may also be used for a specificpurpose such as to view one or more TV oriented video channels. Anyextra space in secondary enclosure 204 may contain keys, buttons, andspeakers of a general nature or specific to secondary display screen 202function. Secondary enclosure 204 may also contain a clip to hold papernotes or manuscripts for typing or reference, lights such as LED lights,fans, stylus and memory readers, optical storage readers and opticaldisc storage, and the like. Thus, secondary enclosure 204 may be smallerwith a different display screen technology than primary display screen10. In FIG. 65, secondary enclosure 204 is equipped with physicalfunction buttons located at the upper portion such as play buttons 205and program buttons 206, the last one regulate functions for volume,speed, stop and pause, and as a TV channel indicator. Sensors may be putin secondary enclosure 204 to detect input from a remote controller or awireless remote controller such as radio frequency or infra-red.Secondary enclosure 204 is housed within primary enclosure 201 when in astored or closed position. It may be extended via slider arms 8, 9 foruse as a separate display screen or in combination with primary displayscreen 10. Slider arms 8, 9 function similarly to that earlierdescribed. Dual screen apparatus 200 of FIG. 65 is in a dual screen modein the sense that two display screens are available and facing the user.Display enclosures 201, 204 may be adjusted to an essentially centeredposition relative to base electronics housing 32 by moving guiderailassembly 5 towards the left.

FIG. 66 is an isometric rear view of dual screen apparatus 200 of FIG.65 incorporating tertiary display screen 203 at back of primaryenclosure 201. The back portion of primary enclosure 201 is rotated atan essentially diagonal orientation to show a specialized display screenwhich may also be a high resolution display screen similar to the unit'ssecondary display screen 202. The specialized tertiary display screen203 may be used to play multimedia, DVD content, a touch sensitivescreen when primary enclosure 201 is latched or closed, a display screento show a movie, a display screen that may face an audience in front ofthe user or the rear of primary enclosure 201, or as a tablet PC whenprimary enclosure 201 is in a closed position. Tertiary display screen203 may have identical function or size as secondary display screen 202or it may possess better display screen technology than primary displayscreen 10.

FIGS. 67-71 illustrate three examples of telescopic arms assembly thatmay be applied to extend or retract the secondary enclosure withoutresorting to the slider arms. The slider arms schematically shown inFIGS. 67-71 are just supplemental support that may be removed withoutdowngrading the functionality of the telescopic arms assembly.Accordingly, FIG. 67 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus210 showing telescopic arms assembly 214, 215 in a closed or contractedposition within primary enclosure 211. Upper telescopic arms assembly214 and lower telescopic arms assembly 215 are shown in their closed orcontracted position within primary enclosure 211. In FIG. 67 is aschematic cross sectional view of upper telescopic arms assembly 214that shows how first segment 216, second segment 217 and third segment218 relate to each other in their closed or retracted position. Thethree segments slide into one another or conflate as one so they becomesmaller and occupy lesser space. First segment 216 is attached towardsthe left rear portion of primary enclosure 211 via two left rivets 213while at other end third segment 218 is attached towards the right rearportion of secondary enclosure 212 via two right rivets 219. The threesegments are arranged in such a way that third segment 218 is fittedinto second segment 217 which in turn is fitted into first segment 216so that the three segments look as one when contracted in a closedposition.

FIG. 68 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 210 of FIG.67 showing telescopic arms assembly 214, 215 in an extended position.When secondary enclosure 212 is extended as in FIG. 67, third segment218 and second segment 217 of telescopic arms assembly 214, 215 are alsoextended stopping at a point through a detent to prevent secondaryenclosure 212 from being detached from the unit. Telescopic armsassembly 214, 215 also prevent wiggling or jerking movements as it holdssecondary enclosure 212 and as guiderail assembly 5 moves the twodisplay enclosures to an essentially centered orientation relative tobase electronics housing 32 in a dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 68.The precision mechanism when the three segments contract or conflate asone may be compared to how a zoom lens is fitted to a camera in aprecise way. Similarly, slider arms 8, 9 are also shown providing addedstrength to hold secondary enclosure 212 and prevent it from falling offthe unit. As earlier mentioned, slider arms 8, 9 are optional and may beremoved.

FIG. 69 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 220 showing ascissors style telescopic arms assembly 229 in a closed or contractedposition within primary enclosure 221. In its closed or contractedposition, telescopic arms assembly 229 may be likened to four pairs ofcriss-cross patterns or four pairs of open scissors placed next to eachother. It functions similarly to a scissor style lift platform or anaccordion style baby gate.

FIG. 70 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 220 of FIG.69 showing telescopic arms assembly 229 in an extended position. In adual screen mode, such as in FIG. 70, secondary enclosure 222 isextended as guiderail assembly 5 moves primary enclosure 221 to the leftto essentially center display enclosures 221, 222 relative to baseelectronics housing 32. Telescopic arms assembly 229 are also extendedor stretched out. The leftmost telescopic arm segment 228 is attached toconnecting pins 224 which in turn are slidably attached to primaryenclosure guide slot 223 while the rightmost telescopic arm segment 228is attached to connecting pins 226 which in turn are slidably attachedto secondary enclosure guide slot 225. Connecting pins 224, 226 slidefrom one end to the other end of enclosure guide slots 223, 225respectively as secondary enclosure 222 is extended. Guide slot 223 isembedded towards the back of primary enclosure cavity 19 while guideslot 225 is embedded towards the back of secondary enclosure 222 behindsecondary display screen 20 (not shown). Telescopic arms assembly 229may be pulled out mechanically or electrically. The assembly may befitted with a motorized linear actuator and the like to mechanicallyfacilitate the extension and retrieval of secondary enclosure 222 fromprimary enclosure 221.

FIG. 71 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 230 showingan alternative example telescopic arms assembly 234. The pair oftelescopic arms assembly 234 is arranged in a criss-cross manner similarto how the scissor style telescopic arms assembly 229 of FIG. 70 isarranged. Telescopic arms assembly 234 consists of four segment armswhich function similarly to that shown in FIG. 70. It is rotatablyattached behind primary display screen 10 (not shown) of primaryenclosure 231 via first segment 235 at first segment mounting position236 and secondary display screen 20 (not shown) of secondary enclosure232 via fourth segment 237 at fourth segment mounting position 238.Phantom line representation 239 shows position of the upper segment armsin a closed or contracted position when secondary enclosure 232 ishoused within primary enclosure cavity 19. Phantom line representation239 also shows how the upper segment arms look as they conflate tobecome one. The lower segment arms of telescopic arms assembly 234 alsoconflate similar to that depicted by phantom line representation 239when telescopic arms assembly 234 is in its closed or contractedposition.

FIG. 72 is an exploded view of the components of guiderail motorassembly 240. Guiderail motor assembly 240 is comprised of gear assembly246 attached to the shaft of electromechanical motor 242 which in turnis fitted to motor mounting bracket 243. Electromechanical motor 242engages with and rotates gear assembly 246 transferring mechanicalmotion that causes the rotation of the latter and causes rack 244 thatis fixedly attached along groove 245 of guiderail slide 241 to move backand forth. Gear assembly 246 consists of three gears: an inside smallfirst gear mounted to the motor shaft and a middle second gear fixedlyattached to the bigger outer third gear. The gears magnify the torqueproduced by electromechanical motor 242 which may be a weak motor sothat a minimum torque is required to move rack 244. The outer gear has alower rotation speed rate than the smaller gears inside. Guiderail slide241 of the guiderail assembly may be attached below or above the primaryenclosure hinge. Guiderail slide 241 enables the motorized control ofthe guiderail assembly to the left (from its stationary position) toallow the two display enclosures to be essentially centered relative tothe base electronics housing for the dual screen mode or to the right togo back to their original position.

FIGS. 73-80 depict the relative positions of the guiderail motorassembly as it moves the rack and slide back and forth along with thetwo display enclosures and extends the slider arms. FIGS. 73-74 arepartial schematic front views of motorized dual screen apparatus 260incorporating guiderail motor assembly 240 and rack and slide 263located below primary enclosure hinge 14 similar to that shown in FIGS.1-4. Rack and slide 263, as shown in FIGS. 73-74, is mounted to thebottom of the slide portion of the guiderail assembly, the slide in turnis secured to guiderail cover 13. For purpose of illustration, the sideof the slide is not shown to show clearly the motor and rack mechanism,the relative placement of the motor and how the gear engages rack andslide 263. Ordinarily, the rack gear would not be visible. Rack andslide 263 is made up of rack 244 and guiderail slide 241 as depicted inFIG. 72. In FIG. 73, phantom line representation of alternative motorposition 265 shows that guiderail motor assembly 240 may also be locatedat any distance on the left side from the center of base electronicshousing 262 and still effectively move rack and slide 263 to the left asshown in FIG. 74. As explained earlier, electromechanical motor 242effects rotation of the gear assembly that causes rack and slide 263 tobe moved back and forth. In FIG. 74, guiderail motor assembly 240 causesrack and slide 263 to be moved towards the left. Gear assembly 246movements are either clockwise or counter clockwise. If counterclockwise, primary enclosure 11 is pushed to the left. Rack and slide263 is also pushed to the left since it's fixedly attached to primaryenclosure 11 via primary enclosure hinge 14. Guiderail dimension arrow267 indicates the length that rack and slide 263 has moved to the leftwhich is essentially half the length of dimension arrow 266 or theentire width of primary enclosure 11. Primary enclosure 11 has alsomoved to the left to an essentially centered position relative to baseelectronics housing 262. The distance between the left edge of baseelectronics housing 262 and electromechanical motor 242 in FIGS. 73-74is essentially identical.

FIGS. 75-76 are partial schematic front views of motorized dual screenapparatus 270 incorporating guiderail motor assembly 240 and rack andslide 273 located above primary enclosure hinge 14 similar to that shownin FIGS. 12-15.

Accordingly, in FIG. 75, guiderail motor assembly 240 is positionedtowards the center from the left portion of base electronics housing 42unlike in FIGS. 73-74 in which the guiderail motor assembly is locatedtowards the left edge of base electronics housing 42. Motorized dualscreen apparatus 270 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 12-15 in whichthe guiderail assembly is located above primary enclosure hinge 14.

In FIG. 76, guiderail motor assembly 240 has moved rack and slide 273towards the left. The length of guiderail dimension arrow 267 relativeto dimension arrow 266 indicates the length that rack and slide 273 hasmoved which is essentially half the length of dimension arrow 266 or theequivalent of the entire width of primary enclosure 41. If guiderailmotor assembly 240 has moved rack and slide 273 that much, it allows thedual screen mode when the secondary enclosure (not shown) is extended.Electromechanical motor 242 may be an AC/DC micro miniature motor ofconventional design so it would not occupy much space or it may be astepper motor similar to the motors used in digital cameras and lenses,or camcorders. The motor should have sufficient torque to easily movethe guiderail assembly in either direction (left or right) to effect asingle screen or dual screen mode.

FIG. 77 is a schematic front view of motorized dual screen apparatus 280incorporating primary enclosure motor 285 and secondary enclosure motor284. In the schematic representation of FIG. 77, primary enclosure motor285 may be fixed in one location or mounted towards the bottom rightportion of primary enclosure cavity 279 of primary enclosure 281, whilesecondary enclosure motor 284 is mounted towards the top left portion ofsecondary enclosure 282. The two motors engage with and cause secondaryenclosure 282 and slider arms 288, 289 to be extended or withdrawn.Movement of secondary enclosure 282 may also be accomplished withsecondary enclosure motor 284 mounted to another position and engagingslider arms 288, 289 to an extended position, and to actuate themthrough the use of cables and pulleys. Slider arms 288, 289 thus, becomelinear actuators which grab secondary enclosure 282 and permit it toexit or withdraw from primary enclosure cavity 279 within primaryenclosure 281. Primary enclosure motor 285 may be alternatively locatedat any point from phantom line representation of alternative primaryenclosure motor position 283 to the rightmost portion of lower rack 287.

FIG. 78 is a schematic front view of motorized dual screen apparatus 280as secondary enclosure motor 284 causes secondary enclosure 282 topartially extend. In FIG. 78, slider arms 288, 289 remain stationary assecondary enclosure motor 284 engages and causes the gear assembly torotate clockwise along upper rack 286 to move secondary enclosure motor284 towards the right along with secondary enclosure 282 to partiallyextend. Secondary enclosure motor 284 remains fixed to secondaryenclosure 282. Primary enclosure motor 285 remains in neutral state. Thetwo motors need not be symmetrical: one motor may result inaccomplishing two thirds of the total desired length while the othermotor may accomplish the remaining one third of the total desiredlength. Secondary enclosure extension direction arrow 276 shows thedistance traveled by secondary enclosure 282 when secondary enclosuremotor 284 is effectuated.

FIG. 79 is a schematic front view of motorized dual screen apparatus 280as primary enclosure motor 285 causes slider arms 288, 289 to extend andessentially align with secondary enclosure 282. As secondary enclosuremotor 284 reverts to neutral state, primary enclosure motor 285 engageswith lower rack 287 then starts so as to extend slider arms 288, 289until they are aligned at a certain point towards the edge of secondaryenclosure 282. Secondary enclosure extension arrow 277 indicates thedistance traveled by slider arms 288, 289 when primary enclosure motor285 is effectuated. Upper rack 286 and lower rack 287 need not bemounted to the full length of slider arms 288, 289. The motor may alsobe mounted on the slider arms while the gearing mechanism and rack maybe mounted on either primary enclosure 281 or secondary enclosure 282.Control logic dictates which motor engages and which one starts first.The two motors may both start at the same time. Racks 286, 287 may bemolded to slider arms 288, 289 respectively as a two-piece unit or aone-piece unit molding such as a machine part. The slider arm has afriction free surface. The slider arm stop pins detent mechanism shownin FIGS. 10-11 still applies and permits secondary enclosure 282 to bepushed and pulled by slider arms 288, 289.

FIG. 80 is a schematic front view of motorized dual screen apparatus 280as secondary enclosure motor 284 causes secondary enclosure 282 to fullyextend. In FIG. 80, secondary enclosure motor 284 is effectuated as itmoves out of primary enclosure 281 together with secondary enclosure 282essentially along the direction of secondary enclosure direction arrow276. The entire portion of secondary enclosure 282 is shown out ofprimary enclosure 281. Motorized dual screen apparatus 280 has twomotors to extend secondary enclosure 282 if secondary display screen 20(not shown) has a full width. However, if secondary display screen 20 issmaller, then a single motor may be used for closing and extendingsecondary enclosure 282 which may be located either at the top or bottomof the display enclosure. The single motor may be used in an example ofdual screen apparatus in which the secondary enclosure may be extendedwithout slider arms as shown in FIGS. 98-99. The mechanism is designedin a way that the secondary enclosure may be opened or closed evenwithout the assistance of a motor or if the motor is not functioning.The application of the motor to extend or retract the secondaryenclosure from the primary enclosure as described in FIGS. 77-80 mayalso be adapted in other examples of dual screen apparatuses such in thescissor type telescopic arms assembly shown in FIG. 69, the pedestalmount shown in FIG. 87, pivoting of the secondary enclosure as shown inFIG. 101, and movement of two display enclosures with sliding hinges asshown in FIG. 124.

The motorized mechanism for extending and retracting the secondaryenclosure may be similar to that used in an ink jet printer, forexample, a Lexmark Z35 printer which uses a motor, a toothed belt, andsupport rods to move the ink cartridge in a back and forth motion as itprints. In the case of the dual screen apparatus, cables, gears, atoothed belt, a toothed slider arm and their associated motors,solenoids, or actuators may be employed to extend and retract thesecondary enclosure from the primary enclosure, or to move the guiderailslide to center both displays relative to the user.

FIGS. 81-84 illustrate a conventional slate-style tablet PC with anintegrated yet extendable secondary display enclosure, keyboardenclosure, scanner enclosure, or solar panel enclosure stored within theprimary enclosure. The respective mechanisms of the four integratedenclosures may also be considered as a plug and play peripheral devicethat are manufactured to standard housing sizes so they may beinterchangeable or replaceable. This may be related in the same mannerhow a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) card which is used forconnecting a computer and its peripherals conforms to a standard thatallows it to be fitted to a PCI expansion slot at the rear of a desktopcomputer tower. The apparatus shown in FIGS. 82-84 are still called dualscreen slate style tablet PC apparatus in the sense that the secondarydisplay enclosure has been substituted by a keyboard, scanner or solarpanel enclosure since the four enclosures are interchangeable. Thesecondary display enclosure may be used again when needed.

Accordingly, FIG. 81 is an isometric view example of dual screenslate-style tablet PC apparatus 290 incorporating an integratedsecondary enclosure 292. Secondary enclosure 292 is housed withinprimary enclosure 291 and may be extended via slider arms 296 whichfunction similarly to the slider arms described in FIGS. 6-7. Secondaryenclosure cover 297 seals secondary enclosure 292 when inside primaryenclosure 291. Secondary enclosure 292 may have a conventional secondarydisplay screen 20 which may be of the same size as primary displayscreen 10 or it may be larger suitable for multitasking in which two ormore programs may be executed concurrently. Visible in primary enclosure291 are primary display screen 10 which functions as a typical displayscreen; status lights 294 which indicate when the unit is charged andmay be used as hard drive indicator, wireless indicator or diagnosticindicator; and function buttons 295 to open and turn on or off secondaryenclosure 292 and also handle the control aspects of the unit such asvolume and brightness. The associated electronics of primary enclosure291 are located within the display enclosure. The functionality of dualscreen slate-style tablet PC apparatus 290 is enhanced by its ability toswap specific peripherals such as when secondary enclosure 292 is nolonger needed and that other peripheral devices are desired which may beany one of those described in FIGS. 82-84 and which may be consideredmore suitable for specific tasks.

FIG. 82 is an isometric view of an alternative example of dual screenslate-style tablet PC apparatus 300 incorporating an integrated keyboardenclosure 302. Keyboard enclosure 302 is housed within primary enclosure291 and may be extended or pushed out to an operating position viaslider arms 296. Keyboard 6 functions as a typical keyboard whiletouchpad 3 functions both as a cursor-pointing device and a scrollcontrol device.

FIG. 83 is an isometric view of a further alternative example of dualscreen slate-style tablet PC apparatus 305 incorporating an integratedscanner enclosure 306. Scanner enclosure 306 is housed within primaryenclosure 291 and may be extended to an operating position via sliderarms 296. Scanner enclosure 306 is comprised of scanner window 307,scanner head 308, and ribbon cable 309, the last one relays informationto scanner head 308. Scanner enclosure 306 may have an ultra thinflatbed conventional scanner used for scanning documents or may beequipped with an OCR function.

FIG. 84 is an isometric view yet another alternative example of dualscreen slate-style tablet PC apparatus 310 incorporating an integratedsolar panel enclosure 312. Solar panel enclosure 312 is housed withinprimary enclosure 291 in a non-operating position. Solar panel enclosure312 is made up of solar cells 313 enclosed within solar panel enclosure312. Adapted for outdoor use, solar panel 314 uses sunlight or solarenergy to recharge its batteries.

FIG. 85 is a front view example of dual screen mobile phone apparatus315. Primary phone enclosure 316 contains electronics of a typicalmobile phone and features such as keypad 317 and radio antenna 323.Integrated within primary phone enclosure 316 are memory card slot 321,secondary enclosure 324 with an embedded secondary display screen 322supported by a pair of slider arms 326, and secondary enclosure cover325 (in exploded view). Secondary display screen 322 may have adifferent screen technology from primary display screen 320 in the sensethat it may have a high screen resolution to complement pictures takenfrom the unit's integrated camera 318 shown with a lens or to viewspecialized contents like high resolution images when desired. It mayalso be used to view DVD programs or Internet contents. Secondarydisplay screen 322 appears larger than primary display screen 320 due toits specialized function. Secondary enclosure 324 is normally storedwithin primary phone enclosure 316 and is accessible by secondaryenclosure release button 319 which pushes out secondary enclosure 324 inone motion. An electronic and mechanical switch enables the user togently eject secondary enclosure 324 via slider arms 326 to be able touse secondary display screen 322 to view contents supplemental toprimary display screen 320 such as photos, video contents, TV programsand the like. Secondary enclosure 324 may be pushed back similar topushing a cassette tape to a cassette player or recorder. Alternatively,the manner of retracting secondary enclosure 324 may be motorized suchthat pressing secondary enclosure release button 319 again withdrawssecondary enclosure 324 to primary enclosure 316. Dual screen mobilephone apparatus 315 supports different wireless standards such as 3Gthat enables video conferencing, watching TV programs or sportscoverages, browsing Internet or WAP contents. A USB connector may beincluded to allow display screens 320, 322 to show video contents from anetwork, similar to the other dual screen apparatuses mentioned.

FIG. 86 is a perspective view example of dual screen PDA/smart phoneapparatus 330. Dual screen PDA/smart phone apparatus 330 functions as atypical PDA and smart phone with an integrated PDA and phone capability.A smart phone uses Microsoft software with a built-in PDA. PrimaryPDA/smart phone enclosure 331 is shown with primary display screen 333,radio antenna 336, secondary enclosure open/close button 338, andnavigation button 335. An extended secondary enclosure 332 is shown withan embedded secondary display screen 334 which is smaller than primarydisplay screen 333 unlike to that shown in FIG. 85. Display screens 333,334 may both be touch sensitive although the open and close functionsare not related since secondary enclosure open/close button 338 performsthese. As shown in FIG. 86, secondary enclosure 332 is fully extendedwithout slider arms. A hinge may be connected to open and closesecondary enclosure 332. The hinge may slide along a supporting rod, forexample, similar to that shown in FIGS. 41-42. Dual screen PDA/smartphone apparatus 330 supports different wireless standards such as 3Gthat enables video conferencing, watching TV programs, sports programs,browsing the Internet or WAP contents. A USB connector may be includedto allow display screens 333, 334 to show video contents from a network,similar to the other dual screen apparatuses mentioned.

FIG. 87 is an isometric view example of a dual screen desktop pedestalapparatus 340. The two display enclosures depicted in FIGS. 87-88 aretaken from the dual screen apparatus shown in FIG. 3. Dual screendesktop pedestal apparatus 340 is suitable to be placed on a desk orstand. Pedestal column 347 may be lengthened to a desired height to siton the floor and to function as a podium. Pedestal 346 may also beenlarged to corresponding size to provide stability. Secondary enclosure22 is housed within primary enclosure 341 and may be extended via sliderarms 8, 9. Display enclosures 341, 22 may be moved via guiderailassembly 342 (shown in FIG. 88) to an essentially centered orientationfor the dual screen mode or may be tilted as needed via enclosure hinge343.

FIG. 88 is an isometric view rear portion of dual screen desktoppedestal apparatus 340 of FIG. 87. Primary enclosure 341 is hingelyattached to pedestal column 347 via enclosure hinge 343. Support plate344 may be molded and be a part of the shape of primary enclosure 341.It clamps, strengthens, and supports the back of primary enclosure 341.Power and video connections may be mounted on primary enclosure 341,pedestal column 347, support plate 344, or pedestal 346. If connectionsare mounted on pedestal column 347 or pedestal 346 cabling will berouted inconspicuously to primary enclosure 341 in the sense that thepower supply connectors are not shown. Located at rear of pedestal 346are electronics connectors 345 which allow audio signals, video signalsand power supply connections. Also shown at rear of support plate 344 isguiderail assembly 342 which permits user to essentially center displayenclosures 341, 22 relative to pedestal column 347 for the single screenor dual screen modes. Slidably received by guiderail assembly 342 isenclosure hinge 343 which permits primary enclosure 341 to be tilted upor down by the user. Pedestal column 347 may be rotated to suit theuser's preference. Dual screen desktop pedestal apparatus 340 mayfunction as a single screen or dual screen with the video card(s)associated or mounted with the PC tower or contained in the apparatus.Wireless circuitry may be integrated into dual screen desktop pedestalapparatus 340. Video and status signals may be relayed wirelessly andthe apparatus may be configured to function as a network addressabledisplay(s). Secondary enclosure 22 of dual screen desktop pedestalapparatus 340 may be extended or opened manually or by means of motorssimilar to the motorized dual screen apparatus shown in FIGS. 73-80.

FIG. 89 is an isometric view example of dual screen wall mountedapparatus 350. With reference to FIG. 89, primary enclosure 351 isconnected to wall bracket 353 via first arm portion 354 and second armportion 355 of the support arms assembly. The support arms assembly iscomprised of first arm portion 354, second arm portion 355, the threehinge pins 356, and swivel hinges 357, 358. Hinge pin 356 connects firstarm portion 354 and second arm portion 355 at one end. It connectssecond arm portion 355 to swivel hinge 357 which in turn is rotatablyreceived by wall bracket 353. Hinge pin 356 also connects first armportion 354 to swivel hinge 358 which in turn is rotatably received byenclosure bracket 359 as shown in FIG. 90. Also shown in FIG. 89 arestatus indicator lights 349 and power buttons 348 both functionsimilarly to that shown in FIGS. 81-84. Secondary enclosure cover 23seals off secondary enclosure 22 when in its closed position. In asingle screen mode, primary display screen 10 may be used alone as atypical display screen to watch movies or videos.

FIG. 90 is a side view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.89. Primary display enclosure 351 may be moved forward or backwardrelative to the user via hinge pin 356 as indicated by pivot directionarrow 360. In similar manner, the support arms may be retracted orextended laterally in back and forth motion as indicated by movementdirection arrow 361.

FIG. 91 is a top view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.89. Swivel hinge 357 permits rotation of second arm portion 355 of thesupport arms assembly relative to wall bracket 353 essentially alongrotation direction arrow 362 while swivel hinge 358 permits rotation ofprimary enclosure 351 relative to first arm portion 354 essentiallyalong rotation direction arrow 363.

FIG. 92 is a top view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.91 showing a rotation movement of primary enclosure 351. Phantom linerepresentation 364 indicates the position of primary enclosure 351 andenclosure bracket 359 as primary enclosure 351 is rotated through swivelhinge 358 essentially along rotation direction arrow 363. Shown inhidden outline is the general or approximate position of secondaryenclosure 22 within primary enclosure 351.

FIG. 93 is a side view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.90 as it is compacted and pushed towards wall bracket 353. FIG. 93 showsthe capacity of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 to be compactedas the support arms assembly is pushed towards wall bracket 353 whichmay be carried out either in the single screen or dual screen modes.Primary enclosure 351 is moved towards the left of the user to adjustprimary display screen 10 for fine viewing in the single screen mode orto essentially center display enclosures 351, 22 relative to wallbracket 353 in the case of dual screen mode.

FIG. 94 is an isometric view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350of FIG. 89 in a dual screen mode. Display enclosures 351, 22 are shownessentially centered relative to wall bracket 353. In this position,display screens 10, 20 may be used as one display screen, for example,to post important announcements or instructions or they may be used astwo discrete display screens with each screen, for example, havingdifferent contents or images.

FIG. 95 is a side view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.94. The support arms are shown at an angle towards left as primaryenclosure 351 is moved towards the user. In this position, primaryenclosure 351 may also be tilted up or down via swivel hinge 358 toadjust primary display screen 10.

FIG. 96 is a top view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus 350 of FIG.94. Secondary enclosure 22 is shown extended and essentially centeredtogether with primary enclosure 351 relative to wall bracket 353 in adual screen mode. Also shown is upper slider arm 8 (with lower sliderarm 9 but not shown) holding secondary enclosure 22 and prevents it frombeing detached from the unit.

FIG. 97 is a perspective view of dual screen apparatus 370 as applied toa dashboard of a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 97, dual screen apparatus 370is mounted to a dashboard of a vehicle and faces the driver or user indriver seat 378 or a passenger at right. Dual screen apparatus 370 is ina dual screen mode with secondary enclosure 372 shown fully extended inan operating position. Apparatus support post 376 and rotation stem 377permit dual screen apparatus 370 with two degrees of freedom rotation.It may be rotated sideways and forward or backward essentially alongvertical rotation axis 373 and horizontal rotation axis 374respectively. Secondary enclosure 372 is friction fitted into primaryenclosure 371 and may be pulled out and returned without the use ofslider arms, secondary hinge assemblies or support arms, thus, secondaryenclosure 372 may be narrower to permit some portion to be retained inprimary enclosure 371. To store dual screen apparatus 370, secondaryenclosure 372 is retracted to primary enclosure 371, and then theapparatus is pushed down to apparatus housing 375. Dual screen apparatus370 is ideally used for example, in police cars when an instant data isneeded that may easily be retrieved such as primary display screen 10may contain the mug shots of a possible offender or suspect andsecondary display screen 20 may contain relevant information or theindividual's personal record. It may also be used in fire trucks,ambulances, vans, 18-wheeler trucks, commercials vehicles, and the like.Thus, the display screens may be used for examining data or watchingmovies.

FIG. 98 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 380 showingsecondary enclosure 382 within primary enclosure 381 without sliderarms, hinge, or support arms. The width of secondary display screen 20is smaller than primary display screen 10 (not shown) to permit portionsof the left edge of secondary enclosure 382 to be retained in primaryenclosure cavity 386 within primary enclosure 381 when secondaryenclosure 382 is extended. Secondary enclosure 382 may be exited fromprimary enclosure 381 without the assistance of slider arms, secondaryhinge assemblies, or support arms unlike in earlier examples of dualscreen apparatuses. Secondary enclosure 382 is fitted in a precise wayso that the tighter the fit the less likelihood it will wobble as it isextended. Primary enclosure 381 is hingely attached to base electronicshousing 32 via primary enclosure hinge 14 which enables it to be rotatedforward or backward.

FIG. 99 is a front schematic view of dual screen apparatus 380 of FIG.98 as secondary enclosure 382 is extended. Secondary enclosure 382 hasbeen moved essentially from phantom line representation edge ofsecondary enclosure at 383 to the other side along movement directionarrow 384 as its top and bottom edges slide through primary enclosurecavity 386. The friction may stop secondary enclosure 382 from fallingoff in the absence of slider arms, hinge assemblies, or support arms.The part retained within primary enclosure 381 prevents secondaryenclosure 382 from being detached from the unit.

FIGS. 100-109 depict a dual screen apparatus with a guiderail assemblyand a primary enclosure and secondary enclosure independent of eachother in that the secondary enclosure is not enclosed by the primaryenclosure, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The two independent display enclosures are supportedby an upper and lower secondary enclosure support arms. Two alternativemounting positions of the secondary enclosure support arms are describedwithout affecting the functionality of the secondary enclosure. In FIGS.100-103 and FIG. 106, the secondary enclosure support arms are attachedat off-center of the secondary enclosure at one end and at the rightmostedge of the primary enclosure at the other end via the support armshinge. In FIGS. 104-105 and FIGS. 107-109, the secondary enclosuresupport arms are attached at leftmost edge of the secondary enclosure atone end and at off-center of the primary enclosure at the other end viathe support arms hinge. The primary enclosure is hingely attached to theguiderail assembly via the primary enclosure hinge (shown in FIGS.106-107 only), similar to the dual screen apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-11.

Accordingly, FIG. 100 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 390 showingtwo independent display enclosures supported by secondary enclosuresupport arms 393 in a single screen mode. Upper and lower secondaryenclosure support arms 393 are attached towards the right edge ofprimary enclosure 391 via support arms hinge pin 394 and the other endis attached off-center of secondary enclosure 392 and serves as itspivot point. In the top view representation, the right edge of secondaryenclosure 392 has been chopped to distinguish it from the primaryenclosure when it is rotated. In the single screen mode of dual screenapparatus 390, as in FIG. 100, secondary enclosure 392 is in parallelproximity and rests with primary enclosure 391 by means of a piggyback.Primary enclosure 391 is fully visible to the user. Secondary enclosure392 may be swiveled to the right in preparation for its operatingposition as shown in FIG. 101. Shown in FIG. 100 is guiderail cover 13of the guiderail assembly. Dual screen apparatus 390 has its ownguiderail assembly that may facilitate movement of primary enclosure 391to an essentially centered position along with secondary enclosure 392in preparation for the dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 103. Power andsignals for secondary enclosure 392 and secondary display screen 20 maybe routed via secondary enclosure support arms 393 wirelessly or byusing standard cabling or fiber optics approach.

FIG. 101 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 390 of FIG. 100 assecondary enclosure 392 is rotated in preparation for the dual screenmode. From its closed position in FIG. 100, as represented by phantomline representation 396, secondary enclosure 392 swivels towards theright via secondary enclosure support arms 393 with support arms hingepin 394 as pivot point essentially along movement direction arrow 366,after which secondary enclosure 392 is rotated from phantom linerepresentation 398 to phantom line representation 397 as indicated byrotation direction arrow 365, then rotated to an operating positionessentially along movement direction arrow 366 in which secondaryenclosure 392 is parallel to primary enclosure 391 and with secondarydisplay screen 20 facing the user to prepare for the dual screen mode.

FIG. 102 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 390 of FIG. 101 assecondary enclosure 392 is rotated to face the rear of the user. FIG.102 shows that secondary enclosure 392 may be rotated to make secondarydisplay screen 20 face the back of the apparatus or the user. From itsposition in FIG. 101, as represented by phantom line representation 369,secondary enclosure 392 is rotated via support arms hinge pin 394essentially along rotation direction arrow 367 to phantom linerepresentation 395, thereat further rotated towards the left to permitsecondary display screen 20 face the rear of the user. The rotation ofsecondary enclosure 392 is applied in instances, for example, when auser wants to show the contents of secondary display screen 20 to aperson at the back while he is viewing primary display screen 10.

FIG. 103 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 390 of FIG. 101 asprimary enclosure 391 is moved towards the left and secondary enclosure392 is rotated to face user in a dual screen mode. From its position inFIG. 101 as represented by phantom line representation 369 secondaryenclosure 392 may be rotated essentially along movement direction arrow368 to make secondary display screen 20 face the towards the user at anangle as primary enclosure 391 is moved towards the left until reachingessentially its midpoint to the left side of base electronics housing 32in preparation for centering the two display enclosures. In FIG. 103,display enclosures 391, 392 may be moved to the left or right to anessentially centered position relative to base electronics housing 32for the dual screen mode.

FIG. 104 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 400 showing analternative example of two independent display enclosures supported bysecondary support arms 403 in a single screen mode. Secondary enclosure402 is shown in parallel proximity with primary enclosure 401 by meansof a piggyback similar to that shown in FIG. 100. Unlike in FIG. 100,secondary enclosure support arms 403 is attached towards leftmost edgeof secondary enclosure 402 at one end and at off-center of primaryenclosure 401 at the other end via support arm hinge 394. In FIG. 104,secondary enclosure support arms 403 may be designed with some tensionsuch as a spring mechanism to hold secondary enclosure 402 in place orto function as a latching mechanism to secure secondary enclosure 402.Dual screen apparatus 400 is in a single screen mode in which primarydisplay screen 10 is operational and faces the user while secondarydisplay screen 20 is hidden from view.

FIG. 105 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 400 of FIG. 104 assecondary enclosure 402 is rotated in preparation for the dual screenmode. From its stored position in FIG. 104, as represented by phantomline representation 405, secondary enclosure 402 swivels towards theright via secondary enclosure support arms 403 essentially alongmovement direction arrow 404 until it reaches phantom linerepresentation 406. The double movement direction arrow 404 indicatesthat secondary enclosure 402 has been rotated back from phantom linerepresentation 406 in preparation for secondary display screen 20 toface towards the user or face the user's rear.

FIG. 106 is a front view of dual screen apparatus 390 of FIG. 103. In adual screen mode, such as in FIG. 106, primary enclosure 391 has movedtowards the left and secondary enclosure 392 has been rotated and angledfacing the user. Display enclosures 391, 392 may be moved left or rightvia guiderail assembly 5 to an essentially centered position relative tobase electronics housing 32.

FIG. 107 is a side view of dual screen apparatus 400 of FIG. 105.Secondary enclosure 402 is essentially halfway as it is rotated toeither align with primary enclosure 401 facing the user in preparationfor the dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 109 or to rotate facing therear as shown in FIG. 108.

FIG. 108 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 400 of FIG. 105 assecondary enclosure 402 is rotated to face the rear. From its phantomline representation 406 as shown in FIG. 105, secondary enclosure 402 isrotated back along rotation direction arrow 409 to phantom linerepresentation 407, thereat rotated further to phantom linerepresentation 408, then finally rotated to align with the rear ofprimary enclosure 401 and secondary display screen 20 facing rear. Dualscreen apparatus 400 is in single screen mode in the sense that onlyprimary display screen 10 faces the user.

FIG. 109 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 400 of FIG. 108 asprimary enclosure 401 is moved towards the left and secondary enclosure402 is rotated to face the user in a dual screen mode. From its positionin FIG. 108, secondary enclosure support arms 403 is rotated forwardessentially along rotation direction arrow 379, thereat secondaryenclosure 402 is rotated from phantom line representation 387 to phantomline representation 389 and then moved back essentially along movementdirection arrow 388 such that secondary enclosure 402 is parallel to andfacing the rear of primary enclosure 401 in a dual screen mode. The twodisplay screens face towards the user in an essentially centeredposition relative to base electronics housing 32 as guiderail assembly 5has moved primary enclosures 401 towards the left.

FIG. 110 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 410 showing anotherexample two independent display enclosures connected by secondaryenclosure hinge 413 in a single screen mode. Secondary enclosure 412 isfolded at the back of primary enclosure 411 in a clam shell type designas secondary display screen 20 faces the rear and primary display screen10 faces the user. Shown in FIG. 110 is primary enclosure clearancenotch 418 which cuts into the right corner of primary enclosure 411 topermit secondary enclosure 412 to rotate beyond 180 degrees for the dualscreen mode. Dual screen apparatus 410 is in single screen mode withreference to the user having access to only one display screen.Secondary enclosure hinge may be replaced by a swivel hinge similar tothat shown in FIGS. 59-60, 62 thus, permitting secondary enclosure 412with two degrees of freedom so it may be rotated sideways and forward orbackward. When in dual screen mode, as shown in FIG. 113, secondaryenclosure 412 may be rotated towards the back of primary enclosure 411about 180 degrees so that display enclosures 411, 412 are back-to-back.In this position, secondary enclosure 412 may be converted to a tabletPC. A single swivel hinge may be sturdier and stronger than secondaryenclosure hinge 413 and may have sufficient tension to hold secondaryenclosure 412 and prevent it from being detached from the unit.

FIG. 111 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 410 of FIG. 110 assecondary enclosure 412 is rotated in preparation for dual screen mode.From its position in single screen mode as shown in FIG. 110 andrepresented by phantom line representation 416, secondary enclosure 412is rotated via hinge 413 along secondary enclosure rotation directionarrow 415 essentially over 180 degrees to the right to phantom linerepresentation 417, after which secondary enclosure 412 is rotated backfor the dual screen mode. Primary enclosure 411 has also moved to theleft via the guiderail assembly to essentially center display enclosures411, 412 relative to base electronics housing 32. Primary enclosureclearance notch 418 permits secondary enclosure 412 to rotate beyond 180degrees. Secondary enclosure phantom line representation 417 is angledrelative to the user and may be rotated back to adjust secondary displayscreen 20 for fine viewing.

FIG. 112 is a side view of dual screen apparatus 410 of FIG. 110.Secondary enclosure 412 is shown hingely attached to primary enclosure411 in a back-to-back relation. Secondary enclosure hinge 413 firmlysecures secondary enclosure 412 and prevents it from being detached fromthe unit or from any wiggling movements.

FIG. 113 is a side view of dual screen apparatus 410 of FIG. 111.Secondary enclosure 412 is angled facing the user or to another personbeside the user in the dual screen mode. It may be rotated to align withprimary enclosure 411 so that the two display enclosures face the useressentially centered relative to base electronics housing 32 in dualscreen mode. As shown in FIG. 113, primary enclosure clearance notch 418creates a space that permits secondary enclosure 412 to rotate furthertowards user.

FIG. 114 is a top view of triple screen apparatus 420 incorporatingsecond display enclosure 422 with two display screens and first displayenclosure 421 with one display screen. Second display enclosure 422 isshown folded to the front of first display enclosure 421. Two displayscreens are fixedly attached back-to-back of second display enclosure422 which are second display screen 427 facing the user and tertiarydisplay screen 33 in a face-to-face relation with first display screen426. Triple screen apparatus 420 of FIG. 114 is in single screen mode inthat only one display screen, that is, second display screen 427, isfacing the user. Second display enclosure hinge 423 permits seconddisplay enclosure 422 to be rotated to an operating position. Seconddisplay enclosure 422 may work with only one display screen facingeither side.

FIG. 115 is a top view of triple screen apparatus 420 of FIG. 114 assecond display enclosure 422 is rotated in preparation for the dualscreen mode or triple screen mode. Second display enclosure 422 isrotated away from the user essentially along secondary enclosurerotation direction arrow 425 to second display enclosure phantom linerepresentation 424, thereat may be rotated back towards the user angledas first display enclosure 421 is moved towards the left via theguiderail assembly to adjust the two display enclosures essentiallycentered relative to base electronics housing 42 for the dual screenmode. In this position, second display enclosure 422 projects its rearsecond display screen 427 for an audience facing the user. In a triplescreen mode, the three display screens function simultaneously withfirst display screen 426 and tertiary display screen 33 facing the userwhile second display screen faces the rear. The user may switch to adual screen mode by using first display screen 426 and tertiary displayscreen 33 only. First display enclosure clearance notch 428, which is asurface and a part of first display enclosure 421 located at its rightedge, permits second display enclosure 422 to be rotated essentiallyover 180 degrees.

FIG. 116 is a side view of triple screen apparatus 420 of FIG. 114.First display enclosure 421 and second display enclosure 422 are shownflushed. Second display enclosure 422 contains two display screenslocated at its front and at its rear. In the single screen mode, seconddisplay enclosure 422 provides second display screen 427 (not shown) forthe user. Shown is first display enclosure clearance notch 428 thatpermits first display enclosure to rotate approximately 180 degrees.

FIG. 117 is a side view of triple screen apparatus 420 of FIG. 115. Asshown in FIG. 117, second display screen 427 faces the rear rightportion of base electronics housing 42. In hidden outline is firstdisplay screen 426 facing the user. Another display screen, tertiarydisplay screen 33 (not shown) also faces the user; hence, triple screenapparatus 420 is in a dual screen mode. Second display enclosure hinge423 connects to second display enclosure 422 and permits it to berotated essentially over 180 degrees.

FIGS. 118-122 illustrates a dual screen apparatus with two independentdisplay enclosures with the secondary enclosure connected to the primaryenclosure via a secondary enclosure hinge which also functions as thesecondary enclosure's pivot point. The secondary enclosure sits behindprimary enclosure in single screen mode and the former may be rotatedessentially 180 degrees for the dual screen mode.

FIG. 118 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 430 showingtwo independent enclosures connected by secondary enclosure hinge 433and progression of secondary enclosure 432 rotated from single screen todual screen mode. Dual screen apparatus 430 is in single screen modewith primary display screen 10 facing the user. Secondary enclosure 432(shown in FIGS. 119-122) sits flushed and aligned with the edge ofprimary enclosure 431 regardless of whether in single screen mode as inFIG. 118 or in dual screen mode as in FIG. 121. Secondary enclosurehinge 433 may have some tension or pressure to strengthen its hold onsecondary enclosure 432 so it will not drop due to gravity. Theenclosure casing may catch secondary enclosure 432 and secure it with ahook, an indent or similar latching device in a single screen mode. Thehook (not shown), for example, may stop secondary enclosure 432 fromfalling. Shown in FIG. 118 is wedge-shaped notch 437 located at upperleft corner of secondary enclosure 432 and may be seen to rotate down tolower right corner of dual screen apparatus 430 as shown in FIG. 121.Guiderail movement direction arrow 434 indicates the length traveled byguiderail assembly 5 towards the left in preparation for the dual screenmode. Primary enclosure 431 is shifted towards the left in preparationfor the opening of secondary enclosure 432 and centering of the twodisplay enclosures.

FIG. 119 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 430 of FIG.118 as secondary enclosure 432 is rotated essentially 45 degrees. In thesingle screen mode, such as in FIG. 118, secondary enclosure 432 isaligned behind primary enclosure 431, the former is rotated towards theright via secondary enclosure hinge 433 essentially at 45 degrees asindicated by secondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 435.

FIG. 120 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 430 of FIG.119 as secondary enclosure 432 is further rotated essentially 90 degreesfrom its position in FIG. 119. From its position in FIG. 119, secondaryenclosure 432 is further rotated to essentially 90 degrees. Secondaryenclosure rotation direction arrow 436 indicates secondary enclosure 432rotation to a final position or the last 45-degree turn from the topedge to the dual screen mode where secondary enclosure 432 iseffectively upside down. Also shown are display enclosures 431, 432moving towards left via guiderail assembly 5 to essentially center thetwo display enclosures relative to base electronics housing 32 for thedual screen mode.

FIG. 121 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 430 of FIG.120 in a dual screen mode. Display enclosures 431, 432 are essentiallycentered relative to base electronics housing 32 and face towards theuser in a dual screen mode. Secondary enclosure 432 is shown fullyexposed and the edges of display enclosures 431, 432 are flushed.Display screens 10, 20 terminate without overlapping. Wedge-shaped notch437 is shown at lower right edge of secondary enclosure 432 from itssingle screen mode position at upper left edge as shown in FIG. 118. Theposition in FIG. 121 indicates secondary enclosure 432 has essentiallybeen rotated upside down.

FIG. 122 is a partial schematic side view of dual screen apparatus 430of FIG. 118 showing secondary enclosure hinge 433 in relation to displayenclosures 431, 432. Secondary enclosure hinge 433 connects secondaryenclosure 432 to primary enclosure 431 and serves as the pivot pointwith one degree of freedom. Secondary enclosure 432 may be rotatedessentially along secondary enclosure hinge rotation direction axis 438.Although the manner of rotating secondary enclosure 432 to effect a dualscreen mode from the single screen mode is accomplished by a simplerotation movement via secondary enclosure hinge 433, a swivel hingesimilar to that shown in FIGS. 59-60, 62 may replace secondary enclosurehinge 433 thus, permitting secondary enclosure 432 with two degrees offreedom. The swivel hinge enables secondary enclosure 432 to be rotatedsideways and forward or backward. When in a dual screen mode, as shownin FIG. 121, secondary enclosure 432 may be rotated towards the back ofprimary enclosure 431 via the swivel hinge at about 180 degrees so thatthe two display enclosures are back-to-back. In this position, secondaryenclosure 432 may be converted to a tablet PC.

FIGS. 123-134 illustrate examples of a dual screen apparatusincorporating two independent display enclosures that are moved viaenclosure slide hinges along two adjacent guiderails, in accordance withthe third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The two displayenclosures are attached to their respective enclosure slide hinges whichconsist of a hinge mechanism mounted on a slide. It allows the twodisplay enclosures with two degrees of freedom to move laterally backand forth along its rail or to be rotated. The enclosure slide hingesmay conduct electricity and transmit or receive data from the baseelectronics housing and transmit it to the display screens eitherthrough wired or wireless connection.

Accordingly, FIG. 123 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 440incorporating primary enclosure 441 and secondary enclosure 442 withrespective enclosure slide hinges 447, 448 that are slidably received byadjacent enclosure rails 445, 446 in a dual screen mode. In a dualscreen mode, primary enclosure 441 and secondary enclosure 442 areessentially centered, the same with their respective enclosure slidehinges 447, 448 relative to base electronics housing 51. Display screens10, 20 are available and face the user. Also shown is one or morefunction buttons 444 comprised of a group of function buttons which, forexample, permit supply of power to the apparatus through on/off button,provide motorized movement of a specific guiderail assembly whether forthe primary enclosure or secondary enclosure or for both, or provideviewing toggle among viewing display modes such as in the orientation ofimages shown on the display screens and how the display screens functionin relation to each other.

FIG. 124 is partial isometric view showing details of primary enclosureslide hinge 447 and its adjacent parts. In the isometric representation,primary enclosure 441 is slidably and rotatably attached to primaryenclosure slide hinge 447 via hinge pin 449. Primary enclosure slidehinge 447 in turn, is slidably received by primary enclosure rail 445and permits the former to slide along the rail surface back and forth asindicated by primary enclosure slide movement direction arrow 451.Primary enclosure 441 may be pivoted or rotated via primary enclosureslide hinge 447 essentially in the direction shown by primary enclosurerotation direction arrow 453. The rear and bottom portions of primaryenclosure rail 445 is shown while the other half is not included to showclearly the detail assembly of the four elements shown. Primaryenclosure slide hinge 447 is shown like a hinge that is integrated intoa slide as one unit.

FIG. 125 is a partial schematic cross sectional view of dual screenapparatus 440 showing elements above primary enclosure hinge 14including primary enclosure slide hinge 447 and secondary enclosureslide hinge 448 taken along lines 125-125 of FIG. 123. Enclosure slidehinges 447, 448 are shown slidably received by primary enclosure rail445 and secondary enclosure rail 446 respectively. Display enclosures441, 442 may have a gap in between the sides or some parts may betouching to prevent vibration.

FIG. 126 is a schematic front view of dual screen apparatus 440 of FIG.123 showing display enclosures 441, 442 both horizontally oriented in adual screen mode. For purpose of illustration, primary enclosure hinge14 is raised relative to base electronics housing 51. Normally, primaryenclosure hinge 14 sits on the same surface as keyboard 6. The edges ofprimary enclosure 441 is chopped at upper left corner and rounded atlower right corner while the edges of secondary enclosure 442 is roundedat upper right corner and also rounded at lower left corner todistinguish the two display enclosures in their different positions.

FIGS. 127-128 are partially exploded schematic front views of dualscreen apparatus 440 of FIG. 126 progression as display enclosures 441,442 are moved from a single screen mode to dual screen mode inhorizontal or landscape orientation. The exploded views of dual screenapparatus 440 consists of two parts: primary enclosure 441 which showsprimary enclosure slide hinge 447 mounted at the enclosure's right edgeand primary enclosure rail 445 at its bottom, and secondary enclosure442 which shows secondary enclosure slide hinge 448 mounted at its leftedge and secondary enclosure rail 446 at its bottom. In the singlescreen mode, as in FIG. 127, only primary display screen 10 is visibleand faces towards the user. Secondary display screen 20 is hidden at theback of primary enclosure 441. Accordingly, in FIG. 128, both displayenclosures 441, 442 and enclosure slide hinges 447, 448 are essentiallyat center in a dual screen mode in horizontal or landscape orientation.In FIG. 128, primary enclosure 441 slides to the left via primaryenclosure slide hinge 447 essentially along primary enclosure slidemovement direction arrow 459 and secondary enclosure 442 slides in theopposite direction to the right essentially along secondary enclosureslide movement direction arrow 452. In the dual screen mode, displayenclosures 441, 442 and their respective enclosure slide hinges 447, 448are essentially centered relative to base electronics housing 51.Display enclosures 441, 442 are also horizontally oriented or in alandscape orientation similar to that shown in FIG. 126.

FIGS. 129-130 are partially exploded schematic front views of dualscreen apparatus 440 of FIG. 128 progression as display enclosures 441,442 are rotated for the dual screen mode in vertical or portraitorientation. From the position in FIG. 128, in which display enclosures441, 442 are horizontally oriented or in a landscape orientation, thetwo display enclosures are rotated via their respective enclosure slidehinges 447, 448. In FIG. 129, primary enclosure 441 is rotated about 45degrees to the right as indicated by primary enclosure rotationdirection arrow 463 and secondary enclosure 442 is rotated about 45degrees to the left as indicated by secondary enclosure rotationdirection arrow 464. The positions of display enclosures 441, 442 inFIG. 128 are depicted in phantom line representations at 455, 456respectively. With reference to FIG. 130, display enclosures 441, 442are rotated further at about 45 degrees to the right and to the leftrespectively such that the two display enclosures are essentiallyvertically oriented or in portrait orientation in a dual screen mode. Inthis position, display enclosures 441, 442 are essentially centeredrelative to base electronics housing 51.

FIG. 131 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 440 of FIG. 127 and FIG. 130 in which secondary enclosure 442is horizontally oriented and primary enclosure 441 is verticallyoriented in a dual screen mode. The horizontal or landscape orientationof secondary enclosure 442 in FIG. 127 is retained while the vertical orportrait orientation of primary enclosure 441 of FIG. 130 is moved viaprimary enclosure slide hinge 447 essentially to its maximum point tothe right of base electronics housing 51 as indicated by primaryenclosure slide movement direction arrow 461. The dual screen mode ofFIG. 131 may be described as a combination of secondary enclosure 442 inhorizontal or landscape orientation essentially centered relative tobase electronics housing 51, and primary enclosure 441 in vertical orportrait orientation, with primary display screen 10 essentially beyondthe right side portion of base electronics housing 51. The electronicsand the images follow the orientation of the respective display screens.In this position, the user for example, may use secondary display screen20 as a typical display screen while primary display screen 10 may beused as a special display screen to match the image or the text such aswhen the image is essentially vertical to achieve maximum view.

FIG. 132 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 440 of FIG. 127 and FIG. 130 in which primary enclosure 441 ishorizontally oriented and secondary enclosure 442 is vertically orientedin a dual screen mode. The horizontal or landscape orientation ofprimary enclosure 441 in FIG. 127 is retained while the vertical orportrait orientation of secondary enclosure 442 of FIG. 130 is moved viasecondary enclosure slide hinge 448 essentially to its maximum point tothe left of base electronics housing 51 as indicated by secondaryenclosure slide movement direction arrow 462. The dual screen mode ofFIG. 132 is a combination of primary enclosure 441 in horizontal orlandscape orientation essentially centered relative to base electronicshousing 51, and secondary enclosure 442 in vertical or portraitorientation, with primary display screen 10 essentially beyond the leftside portion of base electronics housing 51 at left portion. Theelectronics and the images follow the orientation of the respectivedisplay screens.

FIG. 133 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 440 of FIG. 130 in which display enclosures 441, 442 arevertically oriented as secondary enclosure 442 is moved farther left andprimary enclosure 441 is moved farther right in a dual screen mode. Fromthe vertical or portrait orientation of display enclosures 441, 442 asshown in FIG. 130, secondary enclosure 442 is moved via secondaryenclosure slide hinge 448 essentially to its maximum point to the leftas indicated by secondary enclosure slide movement direction arrow 462and primary enclosure 441 is likewise moved via primary enclosure slidehinge 447 essentially to its maximum point to the right as indicated byprimary enclosure slide movement direction arrow 461. In the dual screenmode, such as in FIG. 133, a space in between display enclosures 441,442 is created which may be used to view or monitor an activity such asin a factory or assembly line while using the two display screens. Thedual screen mode of FIG. 133 consists of two display screens in portraitorientation located essentially at opposite left and right edges of baseelectronics housing 51, thus, creating a space in the center of baseelectronics housing 51.

FIG. 134 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 440 of FIG. 128 in which display enclosures 441, 442 arehorizontally oriented as secondary enclosure 442 is moved farther rightand primary enclosure 441 is moved farther left in a dual screen mode.From their horizontal or landscape orientation of FIG. 128, secondaryenclosure 442 is moved via secondary enclosure slide hinge 448essentially to its maximum point to the right of base electronicshousing 51 as indicated by secondary enclosure slide movement directionarrow 466, and primary enclosure 441 is moved via primary enclosureslide hinge 447 essentially to its maximum point to the left of baseelectronics housing 51 as indicated by primary enclosure slide movementdirection arrow 465. The position of the two display enclosures in FIG.134 is similar to that of FIG. 133 in that a space in between them iscreated which may be used to view or monitor an activity such as in anassembly line. The dual screen mode of FIG. 134 consists of two displayscreens in horizontal or landscape orientation located essentially atopposite left and right ends of base electronics housing 51 and creatinga space in between display enclosures 441, 442.

FIG. 135 is a partial isometric view showing relationship of primaryenclosure swivel hinge 475 and secondary enclosure swivel hinge 476 andassociated guiderail components. Primary enclosure swivel hinge 475 isrotatably attached to primary enclosure slide 473 which in turn isslidably received by primary enclosure rail 445. Secondary enclosureswivel hinge 476 is rotatably attached to secondary enclosure slide 474which in turn is slidably received by secondary enclosure slide 446. Theswivel hinge permits the two enclosures to have three degrees offreedom. In FIG. 135, secondary enclosure 472 may be pivoted or rotatedvia secondary swivel hinge 476 to the left or right and sideways asshown by secondary enclosure swivel rotation direction arrow 468 andsecondary enclosure swivel rotation direction arrow 478 respectively.Primary enclosure swivel hinge 475 may be moved via primary enclosureslide 473 back and forth as indicated by primary enclosure slidemovement direction arrow 469. Also shown is hole 477 of primaryenclosure swivel hinge 475, the former receives hinge pin 449 (notshown).

FIG. 136 is a schematic cross sectional view of primary enclosure 471and secondary enclosure 472 of dual screen apparatus 470 taken alonglines 136-136 of FIG. 137. Shown are primary enclosure swivel hinge 475rotatably attached to primary enclosure slide 473, and secondaryenclosure swivel hinge 476 rotatably attached to secondary enclosureslide 474. Enclosure slides 473, 474 are in turn slidably received byenclosure rails 445, 446 respectively.

FIG. 137 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 470incorporating enclosure swivel hinges 475, 476 rotatably attached toenclosure slides 473, 474 in a dual screen mode. Dual screen apparatus470 is in a dual screen mode in which display enclosures 471, 472 andenclosure swivel hinges 475, 476 are essentially centered relative tobase electronics housing 51. Primary display screen 10 and secondarydisplay screen 20 are both available and face toward the user. Alsoshown are primary enclosure rail 445 and secondary enclosure rail 446which slidably receive enclosure slides 473, 474 respectively.

FIG. 138 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 470 of FIG.137 progression as secondary enclosure 472 is rotated from the dualscreen mode to the single screen mode in which secondary display screen20 faces the rear. From the dual screen mode, as depicted in FIG. 137,secondary enclosure 472 is rotated towards the left to the back ofprimary enclosure 471 via secondary enclosure swivel hinge 476essentially at 180 degrees along secondary enclosure rotation directionarrow 484. Phantom line representation 481 indicates the position ofsecondary enclosure 472 in the dual screen mode. The interveningpositions of secondary enclosure 472 as it is rotated towards the backof primary enclosure 471 is shown by phantom line representations 482,483. The phantom line representations show progression as secondaryenclosure 472 is rotated 180 degrees to the left to face oppositedirection, that is, from facing user to facing the opposite direction.Secondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 484 indicates thatsecondary enclosure 472 has rotated 180 degrees from phantom line 481where it faces the user to its final position in FIG. 138 facing theback. Primary enclosure 471 remains stationary from its position in FIG.137 as secondary enclosure 472 is shown folded at its back withsecondary display screen 20 facing the rear. Primary enclosure 471 maystill swivel a few degrees to improve the contrast of primary displayscreen 10. If primary enclosure 471 is rotated 180 degrees to the right(not shown), there would be two display enclosures facing the back.Hence, the two display screens may face the user's front or back at thesame time.

FIG. 139 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 470 of FIG.138 as display enclosures 471, 472 are pushed to the right to align withbase electronics housing 51. Display enclosures 471, 472 are pushedwhile in their position in FIG. 138 when enclosure swivel hinges 475,476 are essentially at center. Primary enclosure 471 faces the userwhile secondary enclosure 472 faces the rear in a single screen mode inthe sense that only one display screen is available. Primary enclosure471 traveled a shorter distance than primary enclosure 471 because ofthe space occupied by secondary enclosure slide 474 at the edge.Enclosure movement direction arrows 485, 486 indicate that displayenclosures 471, 472 respectively had been pushed to align with baseelectronics housing 51. This set-up is ideal when a user is doing apresentation to several persons in front. There is no need for theaudience to gather around the user to view the presentation.

FIG. 140 is an exploded view details of a direct drive motor 247. Directdrive motor 247 is typically a micro miniature direct drive motor or astepper motor, such as for examples, the motor used in a bubble jetprinter or an ultrasonic motor, as compared to the guiderail motorassembly 240 shown in FIG. 72 which does not imply a direct drivearrangement. In FIG. 140, direct drive motor 247 is fitted to motormounting bracket 243 and coupled to rack 244 mounted on slide 241.Groove 245 receives rack 244; the latter is fixedly attached to groove245 on slide 241. Groove 245 is specifically machined or molded toreceive rack 244. Direct drive motor 247 engages with and rotates spurgear 248 producing linear motion from rotary motion. The round spur gear248 or the pinion meshes with the teeth cut on a straight bar of rack244. As the pinion (spur gear 248) rotates, it meshes with successiveteeth in the rack, causing it to shift in a straight line and thus, moveguiderail slide 241. Compared to guiderail motor assembly 240 as shownin FIG. 72, direct drive motor 247 has a higher torque and more powerfulthan the former. It has sufficient torque to move spur gear 248 withouthelp.

FIG. 141 is a schematic side view of dual screen apparatus 490incorporating two independent enclosures which may be folded assecondary enclosure slide 498 is lifted in a closed position. In aclosed or folded position, an air gap is formed by rail cavity 494 as itpermits secondary enclosure slide 498 to ride up. Secondary enclosureslide hinge 498 functions like a plunger when dual screen apparatus 490is lifted or opened as it thrusts and rests at bottom of secondaryenclosure rail 496 as shown in FIG. 142. The bottom parts of primaryenclosure slide 497 and secondary enclosure slide 498 are of the sameheight when the apparatus is folded or in a closed position.Wedge-shaped molded tabs 479 are located and spaced between displayenclosures 491, 492 and permit the two display enclosures to slide witheach other's surfaces as molded tabs 479 restrict points of contact.Molded tabs 479 also assist in raising or lowering secondary enclosureslide 498 when the apparatus is in a folded or in an open position.

FIG. 142 is a schematic side view of dual screen apparatus 490 of FIG.141 in an open position. Dual screen apparatus 490 is raised to an openupright position essentially along rotation direction arrow 499.Secondary enclosure 492 is taller than primary enclosure 491 whether inthe single screen (shown) or dual screen mode. Camera module 487 with anembedded camera lens 488 is available to function as a typical digitalcamera, webcam, or camcorder. Hence, the top of primary enclosure 491 isinclined so it doesn't obscure the viewing angle of camera module 487.

FIG. 143 is a schematic cross sectional view of an apparatus with threedisplay enclosures and a variation of a cross section of FIG. 136.Primary enclosure 500 is stationary essentially centered relative tobase electronics housing 51 while secondary enclosure 501 is slidtowards the left via secondary enclosure slide hinge 509 and tertiaryenclosure 502 is slid towards the right via tertiary enclosure slidehinge 508. Thus, the three display screens may all face the user in atriple screen mode. Display enclosures 501, 502 are similar to thatshown in FIG. 136 and may be rotated to a vertically oriented positionsimilar to that shown in FIG. 133 or to a horizontally oriented positionsimilar to that shown in FIG. 134. In both instances, primary enclosure500 is essentially centered and horizontally oriented. Secondaryenclosure slide hinge 509 and tertiary enclosure slide hinge 508 are notaligned but positioned on opposite edges of the unit. Slide hinges 509,508 are slidably received by secondary enclosure rail 504 and tertiaryenclosure rail 503 respectively.

FIG. 144 is a schematic cross sectional view of an apparatusincorporating three display enclosures with secondary enclosure 505stationary and both primary enclosure 506 and tertiary enclosure 507extendable via slider arms 87. The middle secondary enclosure 505 isstationary as primary enclosure 506 is extended to the left and tertiaryenclosure 507 is extended to the right on the front and rearrespectively of secondary enclosure 505 via slider arms 87 to effect anoperating position. The two upper and lower slider arms 87 connect thethree display enclosures which also prevent primary enclosure 506 andtertiary enclosure 507 from being detached when moved sideways. Aguiderail assembly may be used to mount the three display enclosures toadd flexibility.

FIG. 145 is a schematic cross sectional view of a dual screen apparatusincorporating combinations of primary enclosure 511 with primaryenclosure slide hinge 514 and secondary enclosure 512 with slider arms87. Primary enclosure 511 is slidable via primary enclosure slide hinge514 from right to left along primary enclosure rail 513 while secondaryenclosure 512 may be extended via upper and lower slider arms 87 fromleft to right. The third panel, enclosure support 510, functions as acradle or holder for display enclosures 511, 512. A guiderail assemblymay be used to mount the two display enclosures to add flexibility.

FIG. 146 is a schematic top view example of dual screen desktopapparatus 520 incorporating a pedestal 523 and guiderail assembly 524with guiderail openings and shafts. Dual screen desktop apparatus 520 issuitable to be placed on a desk or stand. The base that holds guiderailassembly 524 located above pedestal 523 may be connected to a columnsimilar to that shown in FIGS. 87-88. Guiderail assembly 524 may be wallmounted similar to that shown in FIG. 148 or attached to a pedestaldirectly or supporting a column similar to that shown in FIGS. 87-88.Guiderail assembly 524 houses primary enclosure guiderail opening 525and secondary enclosure guiderail opening 526 and provides the displayenclosures for the two guiderail openings. Additionally, it elevates thetwo display enclosures from pedestal 523. It may contain electronicsconnectors, video connectors, power circuitry and power point connectorrequirements for the two display screens. Primary enclosure shaft 527and secondary enclosure shaft 528 protrude through their respectiveenclosure guiderail openings 525, 526 and connects or travels to displayenclosures 521, 522. The round edges of the enclosure guiderail openingsslidably receive their respective enclosure guiderail slides. Dualscreen desktop apparatus 520 is in a single screen mode with primaryenclosure 521 and its associated primary display screen (not shown)available to the user.

FIG. 147 is a top view of dual screen desktop apparatus 520 of FIG. 146as the two display enclosures are moved and rotated to a dual screenmode. From the single screen mode as shown in FIG. 146, displayenclosures 521, 522 are slid via their respective guiderail slides 529,519 towards the left and right sides respectively, after which the twodisplay enclosures are rotated via their respective enclosure shafts527, 528 towards the user essentially along primary enclosure rotationdirection arrow 517 from phantom line representation 515 for primaryenclosure 521 and secondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 518 fromphantom line representation 516 for secondary enclosure 522. Primaryenclosure rotation direction arrow 517 and secondary enclosure rotationdirection arrow 518 indicate that the two display enclosures are pivotedtowards the user via their respective enclosure shafts 527, 528. Hence,their associated display screens (not shown) may be directed towards theuser for optimum contrast, more legible display, and viewing comfort.Display enclosures 521, 522 both contain their respective displayscreens 10, 20 as in the earlier examples.

FIG. 148 is an isometric view of wall mount stand 541 incorporating wallbracket 533, adjustable support arm 538, and guiderail assembly 534.Adjustable support arm 538 is hingely attached to wall bracket 533 andguiderail assembly 534. It may be rotated up or down to adjust the angleof guiderail assembly 534 or to position guiderail assembly 534 to beoperated near the user from the wall. Function buttons 537 provide powersupply to the apparatus through on/off button.

FIG. 149 is an isometric view example of dual screen wall mountedapparatus 530 incorporating wall mount stand 541 of FIG. 148 in a dualscreen mode. Display enclosures 531, 532 are essentially centeredrelative to guiderail assembly 534 in a dual screen mode with displayscreens 10, 20 both visible and available to the user. Groove 539located at bottom portion of display enclosures 531, 532 are slidablyreceived by the upper portions of respective enclosure guiderails 535,536. Groove 539 enables display enclosures 531, 532 to be moved sidewaysfrom left or right, to adjust to dual screen mode, to stabilize the twodisplay enclosures, and to prevent the two display enclosures from beingdetached from guiderail assembly 534.

FIG. 150 is an isometric view of desktop stand 542 incorporatingpedestal 543, adjustable support arm 544 and guiderail assembly 534.Desktop stand 542 is similar to that shown in FIG. 148 flattened to bemounted on a horizontal surface or a table unlike in FIG. 148 which isadapted to be mounted to a wall or vertical surface.

FIG. 151 is an isometric view example of dual screen desktop apparatus540 incorporating desktop stand 542 in a dual screen mode. Dual screendesktop apparatus 540 is adapted to function preferably as a desktop tosit on a horizontal surface such as a desk, counter, kiosk, table andthe like. Primary enclosure 531 and secondary enclosure 532 areessentially centered relative to pedestal 543 in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 152 is an isometric view of an alternative example dual screen wallmounted apparatus 545 incorporating a ball and socket joint 547 forpivoting display enclosures 531, 532. One end of support arm 548 isconnected to guiderail assembly 534, the other end is connected viahinge pin 356 to support arm 549 which in turn is connected to wallmount assembly 546 via ball and socket joint 547. The ball portion ofball and socket joint 547 permits display enclosures 531, 532 to bepivoted left or right, forward or backward, and tilted up or down toadjust display screens 10, 20 for fine viewing or to go to a dual screenmode by essentially centering the two display enclosures relative towall mount assembly 546 as shown in FIG. 152. Wall mount assembly 546may be mounted to a wall, a partition, or a vertical surface similar tothat of FIG. 148.

FIG. 153 is an isometric view another alternative example of dual screendesktop apparatus 550 incorporating a ball and socket joint 547 forpivoting display enclosures 531, 532. Dual screen apparatus 550 issimilar to that shown in FIG. 152 adapted as a desktop for use on a flator horizontal surface. Desktop stand 551 may be mounted to a desk ortable. Primary enclosure 531 and secondary enclosure 532 may be pivotedleft and right, forward and backward, and tilted up or down via ball andsocket joint 547 to adjust display screens 10, 20 similar to thatdescribed in FIG. 152.

FIGS. 154-186 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention inwhich the primary enclosure, the secondary enclosure, and any additionalenclosures are self contained and function physically independent ofeach other. The multiple monitor apparatus may function in singlescreen, dual screen, or triple screen modes as explained hereinafter.The display enclosures are lifted and their associated pegs, which maybe a single peg, double peg, and the like, are fitted in peg holesmounted onto the enclosure platform assembly unlike in alternativeembodiments where a guiderail, slider arm, hinge or a slide hinge areused instead to move the display enclosures. The order may also bereversed such that the display enclosures may contain the peg holes andthe enclosure platform assembly may contain the pegs instead. The shapeof the pegs is generally round and cylindrical but other examples show asquare peg and a pentagonal peg with matching peg holes. The pegs may bedesigned and mounted with some tension or pressure such as the use ofrubber to absorb for example, the vibrations of the fan in the computertower or vibration caused by the action of the keyboard keys. The rubbertension may absorb the energy or vibrations before it resonates. Thepegs are typically conductive and may contain bi-directional opticalconnection inside.

Accordingly, FIG. 154 is a partially exploded schematic front view ofdual screen apparatus 560 incorporating a two-peg design for bothprimary enclosure 561 and secondary enclosure 562 in a single screenmode. Primary enclosure 561 is shown with pegs 563 mounted at its rightbottom edge and secondary enclosure is shown with pegs 564 mounted atits left bottom edge. Pegs 563, 564 are received by peg holes 565, 566respectively. The four peg holes which may be plastic coated, arecontained in enclosure platform assembly 568, the latter has a typicallymetallic structure inside and functions to support the pegs. For purposeof illustration, the wedged enclosure represents primary enclosure 561while the curved enclosure at upper right and lower left cornersrepresent secondary enclosure 562. In a single screen mode, as in FIG.154, primary display screen 10 may be used by the user as a typicaldisplay screen while behind is secondary display screen 20 in a closedor stored position. The enclosure pegs are interchangeable in the sensethat primary enclosure pegs 563 fit securely into secondary enclosurepeg holes 566 and secondary enclosure pegs 564 fit securely into primaryenclosure peg holes 565. As such, the distance between two adjacent pegsof an enclosure is essentially the same as indicated by dimension arrow557. The distance or gap between the right secondary enclosure peg holeand the left primary enclosure peg hole is essentially shorter thandimension arrow 557 and thus, would not fit the enclosure pegs. Thedistance between the right edge of enclosure platform assembly 568 tothe right primary enclosure peg hole as shown by dimension arrow 559 isessentially the same distance from the right primary peg to the edge ofprimary enclosure 561. Hence, the display enclosures are essentially ina centered position for the single screen mode.

FIG. 155 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 560 of FIG. 154 as display enclosures 561, 562 are lifted andmoved to a dual screen mode. From the single screen mode as shown inFIG. 155, display enclosures 561, 562 interchange positions similar, forexample, to two cars changing lanes while on opposite sides of the road.Primary enclosure 561 is lifted and its pegs 563 are fitted into pegholes 566 of secondary enclosure 562, after which secondary enclosure562 is lifted and its pegs 564 are fitted into peg holes 565 of primaryenclosure 561. Display screens 10, 20 are essentially centered relativeto base electronics housing 51 in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 156 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 560 of FIG.154. Shown on enclosure platform assembly 568 is an arrangement ofaligned pegs 563, 564 and their respective display enclosures 561, 562.Secondary enclosure 562 is also shown in parallel proximity with primaryenclosure 561. Only primary display screen 10 is available and faces theuser in a single screen mode. Secondary display screen 20 is in storedor closed position.

FIG. 157 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 560 of FIG.155. In the dual screen mode, such as in FIG. 157, primary enclosure 561is lifted and its pegs 563 are moved towards left to fit into the pegholes (not shown) of secondary enclosure 562. Secondary enclosure 562 islifted and its pegs 564 are moved towards right to fit into the pegholes (not shown) of primary enclosure 562. In FIG. 157 displayenclosures 561, 562 are aligned and parallel with base electronicshousing 51 in a dual screen mode in which display screens 10, 20directly face the user.

FIG. 158 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 560 of FIG.156 as secondary enclosure 562 is lifted and turned 180 degrees to facethe rear. From the single screen mode, as shown in FIG. 156, secondaryenclosure 562 is lifted and turned sideways essentially 180 degrees tothe left after which pegs 564 is fitted into peg holes 566 (not shown)so that secondary enclosure 562 faces the rear. This set-up is used ininstances when a user is making a presentation or wants to project animage to an audience located at the back of the apparatus towards theleft portion. In this case, the contents of primary display screen 10may be same as secondary display screen 20. Dual screen apparatus 560 isstill in a single screen mode in the sense that only one display screen,which is primary display screen 10, is available to the user. FIG. 158also shows a progression to a dual screen mode in which the two displayenclosures face the back as shown in FIG. 159.

FIG. 159 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 560 of FIG.158 as both display enclosures 561, 562 face the rear in a dual screenmode. From the position shown in FIG. 158, primary enclosure 561 islifted and rotated sideways to the right essentially 180 degrees and itspegs are fitted in peg holes 565 so that primary enclosure 561 faces theback of the apparatus. In this position, both display screens 10, 20face the back of the apparatus in a dual screen mode in which the useris located at the back which may also be a group of individuals or anaudience.

FIG. 160 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 600 incorporating anexample angled peg holes 603 of primary enclosure 601 and aligned pegs604 of secondary enclosure 602 in a single screen mode. Dual screenapparatus 600 shows primary enclosure 601 with its two angled pegs 603fitted into angled peg holes 605 (shown in FIG. 163) and secondaryenclosure 602 with its two aligned pegs 604 fitted into aligned pegholes 606 (shown in FIG. 163). Pegs 603 and peg holes 605 are angledwhile pegs 604 and peg holes 606 are aligned and parallel to baseelectronics housing 51. In FIG. 160, primary enclosure 601 and itsassociated primary display screen 10 face the user in a single screenmode. Pegs 603, 604 are interchangeable similar to that shown in FIGS.154-159. When pegs 603, 604 interchange positions as shown in FIG. 161,the two display enclosures are angled facing the user as shown in FIG.161.

FIG. 161 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 600 of FIG.160 showing display enclosures 601, 602 angled and essentially centeredfacing the user in a dual screen mode. To effect a dual screen mode,display enclosures 601, 692 interchange positions: primary enclosure 601is lifted and moved towards the left at rear and its angled pegs 603 arefitted into aligned peg holes 606 of secondary enclosure 602. Secondaryenclosure 602 is lifted and moved towards the right at front and itsaligned pegs 604 are fitted into angled peg holes 605 of primaryenclosure 601. The slotting of display enclosures 601, 602 results in anatural angled projection due to the design of the pegs and peg holes.The design illustrates that either one of the two enclosures need tohave an angled pegs and angled peg holes in order to have two displayscreens angled in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 162 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 560 with its two displayenclosures removed to emphasize the relative position and arrangement ofthe peg holes. Primary enclosure 561 and secondary enclosure 562 (bothnot shown) as depicted in FIGS. 154-159 have been removed from the topview representation of dual screen apparatus 560 to emphasize therelative position and arrangement of peg holes 565, 566 respectively.Enclosure platform assembly 568 is shown without pegs 563 (not shown)and the two display enclosures. Peg holes 565 and 566 are shown alignedand parallel to base electronics housing 51.

FIG. 163 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 600 with its two displayenclosures removed to emphasize the relative position and arrangement ofthe peg holes. Primary enclosure 601 and secondary enclosure 602 (bothnot shown) of dual screen apparatus 600 as shown in FIGS. 160-161 havebeen removed to emphasize the relative position and arrangement of pegholes 605, 606 respectively. The peg holes are smaller as compared tothat shown in FIG. 162 with peg holes 605 angled a bit and peg holes 606aligned and parallel to base electronics housing 51. When the respectivepegs of the two enclosures swap peg hole positions, the two displayenclosures are also angled towards the user as shown in FIG. 161.Enclosure platform assembly 608 is also shown without pegs 604 (notshown) and the two display enclosures.

FIG. 164 is partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 570 showing an alternative example single peg design in asingle screen mode. Shown are peg 573 mounted at right bottom edge ofprimary enclosure 571 with corresponding peg hole 575, and peg 574mounted at left bottom edge of secondary enclosure 572 withcorresponding peg hole 576. Peg holes 575, 576 are mounted in enclosureplatform assembly 578. Pegs 573, 574 are typically larger than thetwo-peg enclosure design shown in FIGS. 154-157. The one-peg enclosuredesign allows rotation of the display enclosures as shown in FIG. 167.Like the two-peg enclosure design, pegs 573, 574 are interchangeable inthat peg 573 of primary enclosure 571 may be fitted into peg hole 576 ofsecondary enclosure 572 and peg 574 may be fitted into peg hole 575 ofprimary enclosure 571 in the dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 165 andFIG. 167. Dimension arrow 579 indicates the distance between the rightside edge of enclosure platform assembly 578 and peg hole 575essentially half the length of dimension arrow 577 or the distancebetween two peg holes. Dual screen apparatus 570 is in a single screenmode in which primary display 10 is available to the user as secondarydisplay 20 is hidden behind primary enclosure 571.

FIG. 165 is partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 570 of FIG. 164 as primary enclosure 571 and secondaryenclosure 572 interchange positions to effect a dual screen mode. Fromthe single screen mode, as shown in FIG. 164, the two display enclosuresinterchange positions with primary enclosure 571 lifted and movedtowards the left to fit its peg 573 into peg hole 576 of secondaryenclosure 572. Secondary enclosure 572 is then lifted and moved towardsthe right to fit its peg 574 into peg hole 575 of primary enclosure 571.The two display screens are essentially centered relative to baseelectronics housing 51 in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 166 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 570 of FIG.164. Secondary enclosure 572 is shown adjacent to the back of primaryenclosure 571 as the latter protects secondary display screen 20 in aclosed or stored position. Primary display screen 10 is available andfaces the user in the single screen mode. Also shown are pegs 573, 574in hidden outline which are fitted in their respective peg holes 575,576 (not shown) respectively.

FIG. 167 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus of FIG. 165showing rotation movements of the two display enclosures with pegs. Fromthe single screen mode of FIG. 164 and FIG. 166, the two displayenclosures are lifted and their positions are swapped to effect a dualscreen mode with display screens 10, 20 facing the user. From thisposition, the two display enclosures may be rotated towards the user toadjust contrast and legibility. Primary enclosure 571 may be rotatedtowards the user to phantom line representation 581 as indicated byprimary enclosure rotation direction arrow 585 and secondary enclosure572 may be rotated towards the user to phantom line representation 584as indicated by secondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 586. Theuser may maintain the dual screen mode by rotating phantom linerepresentation 581 to essentially 180 degrees after which peg 573 ofprimary enclosure 571 is returned to its designated peg hole 575 to newphantom line representations at 583. Phantom line representation 584 isrotated to essentially 180 degrees after which peg 574 is returned toits designated peg hole 576 to new phantom line representation 582. Thetwo display enclosures now face the rear at an angle. The second dualscreen mode option, in which the two display screens face the rear, maybe used in board room or classroom presentations where the audience mayview the two display screens facing the rear. In this set up, the userfor example, may do another activity as the presentation or educationalDVD feature is going on. In both dual screen mode options, the displayenclosures are angled to get a better view.

FIG. 168 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 610 showing an alternative example of pegs mounted onenclosure platform assembly 618 and peg holes mounted on the displayenclosures in a single screen mode. Enclosure platform assembly 588 isshown with pegs 613 which receive peg holes 615 of primary enclosure 611and pegs 614 which receive peg holes 616 of secondary enclosure 612. Pegholes 617, 618 are redundant set of holes since each display enclosureneeds only two peg holes. The use of redundant peg holes 617, 618 arefor added flexibility and rigidity such as in instances when the displayenclosures are plugged into a stand or arranged into an array ofmonitors. Dimension arrow 607 indicates the distance between the two pegholes 616 that is of the same length as dimension arrows 619 and 609(both shown in FIG. 169). This allows for fitting securely the twoenclosures as they swap positions for the dual screen mode as shown inFIG. 169. In a single screen mode, as in FIG. 168, primary displayscreen 10 may be used by the user as a typical display screen while atits back is secondary display screen 20 in a closed or stored position.

FIG. 169 is a partially exploded schematic front view of dual screenapparatus 610 as primary enclosure 611 and secondary enclosure 612 arelifted and moved to a dual screen mode. From the single screen mode ofFIG. 168, the two display enclosures interchange positions in that pegholes 615 of primary enclosure 611 are fitted into pegs 614 of secondaryenclosure 612 and peg holes 616 of secondary enclosure 612 are fittedinto pegs 613 of primary enclosure 611. Dimension arrows 619, 609indicate distance of peg holes within the enclosure which are of thesame length and which permit the two enclosures to interchange betweentheir designated pegs. Display screens 10, 20 are essentially centeredrelative to base electronics housing 51 in a dual screen mode.

FIG. 170 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 590 showing anexample two display enclosures that are hinged, the first displayenclosure with pegs fitted in peg holes and peg slot, and the seconddisplay enclosure with two display screens. Enclosure platform assembly599 is shown with first display enclosure 591 connected to seconddisplay enclosure 592 via second display enclosure hinge 423 located atright side portion similar to that shown in FIGS. 114-115. Also shownare peg 594 which sits in peg hole 596 (shown in FIG. 171) and peg 593which sits in its designated peg hole (not shown). At left side ofenclosure platform assembly 599 is peg slot 595 that functions as asliding slot to permit angling of first display enclosure 591 towardsthe user when in dual screen mode as in FIG. 171. Second display screen427 and third display screen 33 are contained in second displayenclosure 592. Second display screen 427 is the one facing the user in asingle screen mode such as in FIG. 170 while third display screen 33 isclosed and protected by first display enclosure 591. Alternatively,second display enclosure hinge 423 may be replaced by a swivel hingesimilar to that shown in FIGS. 59-60, 62. A single swivel hinge may besturdier and stronger than second display enclosure hinge 423. It mayalso have sufficient tension to hold first display enclosure 591 andprevent it from detached from the unit.

FIG. 171 is a schematic top view of dual screen apparatus 590 of FIG.170 in a dual screen mode. The two display enclosures in FIG. 170 arepicked up and moved towards the left side as peg 593 is at peg slot 595and peg 594 goes to the peg hole vacated by peg 593, thus peg hole 596becomes empty. Second display enclosure 592 is then rotated towards theright from phantom line representation 587 essentially along rotationdirection arrow 598. In this position, third display screen 33 faces theuser while second display screen 427 faces the rear. First displayscreen 426 may be adjusted for contrast and legibility by rotating firstdisplay enclosure 591 via peg 593 along peg slot 595 essentially at alimited angle towards the user essentially along angle direction arrow597. In the dual screen mode such as in FIG. 171, the two displayenclosures are angled facing the user and two display screens are facingthe user and one display screen faces the rear.

FIGS. 172-184 show examples of dual screen apparatuses incorporating apedestal suitable to a desktop stand but which may also be connected toa wall mount assembly attached to a platform via support arms such asthat shown in FIGS. 148-153. The pedestal may also be connected to aplatform via one or more hinges similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-18.Alternatively, in some examples, the secondary enclosure hinge thatconnects the secondary enclosure to the primary enclosure may bereplaced by a swivel hinge similar to that shown in FIGS. 59-60, 62.FIG. 172 is a schematic top view example of dual screen pedestalapparatus 620 incorporating display enclosures 621, 622 that are hingedwith two peg slots, 3 pegs and 1 peg hole in a single screen mode.

Accordingly, in FIG. 172, three pegs secure the two display enclosuresin a single screen mode with primary enclosure 621 facing the user andsecondary enclosure 622 facing the rear. Primary enclosure peg 627 andsecondary enclosure peg 624 are received by center peg slot 626 whileprimary enclosure peg 625 is received by right peg slot 641. Secondaryenclosure 622 is connected to primary enclosure 621 via secondaryenclosure hinge 413 located at right side of enclosure platform assembly628. Shown is an empty primary enclosure peg hole 629 located at leftside of enclosure platform assembly 628.

FIG. 173 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 620of FIG. 172 as display enclosures 621, 622 are lifted and moved inpreparation for the dual screen mode. The two display enclosures arepicked up and moved towards the center so that peg 625 is received bycenter peg slot 626 and peg 627 is fitted into peg hole 629 after whichsecondary enclosure 622 is flipped and rotated about secondary enclosurehinge 413 essentially 180 degrees to the right along rotation directionarrow 642 so that right peg slot 641 receives peg 624. In this position,display enclosures 621, 622 face towards the user with secondaryenclosure 622 slightly angled while primary enclosure 621 is aligned andparallel with pedestal 623 and enclosure platform assembly 628. Primaryenclosure 621 will have a rotating motion through primary enclosure peg625 which may be moved at an axis parallel to center peg slot 626. Theangle of the rotation is limited because of the short length of centerpeg slot 626. When primary enclosure 621 rotates to an angle as shown inFIG. 174, secondary enclosure 622 adjusts by moving through center pegslot 626. To adjust the angles, the force is applied more at center pegslot 626.

FIG. 174 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 620of FIG. 173 showing display enclosures 621, 622 fully angled towards theuser in a dual screen mode. The three pegs shown in FIG. 173 remain onthe same spots: peg 627 is in peg hole 629, peg 625 is in center pegslot 626, and peg 624 is in right peg slot 641. In FIG. 174, peg 625 hasbeen pushed towards the rear of center peg slot 626 to orient the twodisplay screens towards the user which then causes peg 624 to shifttowards the center of right peg slot 641. When peg 625 is pushed, bothdisplay enclosures are at extreme angles and pivot towards the user.Dual screen apparatus 620 is in a dual screen mode in which the twodisplay enclosures face the user at an angle.

FIG. 175 is a schematic top view alternative example of dual screenpedestal apparatus 630 incorporating two display enclosures that arehinged with three peg slots, 3 pegs and 1 peg hole in a single screenmode. Shown in hidden lines is center peg slot 636 which is straightgoing towards the back of the base plate. Secondary enclosure peg 634 islocated off center at the right side of center peg slot 636. Slantedleft peg slot 639 and slanted right peg slot 643 are located on oppositesides of enclosure platform assembly 638. In FIG. 175, the same displayenclosure movements are essentially effected as in FIGS. 172-174, onlythe arrangement of pegs and number of peg slots have changed. Shown inFIG. 175 are three peg slots, three pegs, and one peg hole positioned asfollows: secondary enclosure peg 634 received by peg hole 644, primaryenclosure peg 637 received by center peg slot 636, primary enclosure peg635 received by slanted right peg slot 643, and an empty slanted leftpeg slot 639. As mentioned, peg 634 sits in peg hole 644 and keeps thetwo display enclosures anchored in the single screen position in whichsecondary enclosure 632 faces the rear and primary enclosure 631 facesthe user.

FIG. 176 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 630of FIG. 175 as display enclosures 631, 632 are lifted and moved inpreparation for the dual screen mode. The two display enclosures areunfurled with primary enclosure 631 moved towards the left so thatprimary enclosure peg 637 is received by left peg slot 639 and primaryenclosure peg 635 is placed towards front of center peg slot 636.Secondary enclosure 632 is flipped and rotated about secondary enclosurehinge 413 essentially 180 degrees to the right along rotation directionarrow 645 so that right peg slot 643 receives secondary enclosure peg634. In FIG. 176, the three pegs go into each peg slot in preparationfor the dual screen mode. In this position, display enclosures 631, 632face towards the user. Primary enclosure 631 is aligned and parallelwith pedestal 623 and enclosure platform assembly 638 while secondaryenclosure 632 is angled towards the user.

FIG. 177 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 630of FIG. 176 display enclosures 631, 632 fully angled towards the user ina dual screen mode. Peg 635 is pushed towards the rear of center pegslot 636 for an angle to orient display enclosures 631, 632 towards theuser. This causes peg 634 to move towards the center within right pegslot 643 and peg 637 to move slightly within left peg slot 639. Peg hole644 is empty when in the dual screen mode as shown in FIG. 177 and leftpeg slot 639 is empty when in single screen mode as shown in FIG. 175.

FIG. 178 is a schematic top view yet another alternative example of dualscreen pedestal apparatus 650 showing two independent display enclosureswith two curved center peg slots and round pegs in a single screen mode.Primary enclosure 651 and secondary enclosure 652 of dual screenpedestal apparatus 650 are not connected and contains two round pegsdesign in each enclosure similar to that shown in FIGS. 154-159. Unlikein FIGS. 154-159, the two enclosures may be lifted and moved to a dualscreen mode via the pegs and the two center peg slots. Primary enclosurepeg 655 is shown fitted in its designated hole at right side ofenclosure platform assembly 658 while primary enclosure peg 657 isreceived by right center peg slot 649. Primary enclosure peg hole 659 atleft side is shown empty. Secondary enclosure pegs 654, 656 are receivedby left center peg slot 648 along a nib and peg hole 662 respectively.The four enclosure pegs are shown aligned as they secure the two displayenclosures in a single screen mode.

FIG. 179 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 650of FIG. 178 as display enclosures 651, 652 are moved to a dual screenmode. From the position of FIG. 178, display enclosures 651, 652 arelifted, after which peg 657 is fitted into peg hole 659 and peg 655 istransferred to left center peg slot 648 while peg 654 is received by thepeg hole vacated by peg 655 and peg 656 is received by right center pegslot 649. Dual screen pedestal apparatus 650 is in a dual screen mode inwhich display enclosures 651, 652 are aligned and parallel to pedestal653 and enclosure platform assembly 658 as depicted by phantom linerepresentations at 647, 646 for primary enclosure 651 and secondaryenclosure 652 respectively. From phantom line representations at 647,646 the two display enclosures may be rotated towards the user for anangle by pushing pegs 655, 656 towards the rear of center peg slots 648,649 respectively.

FIG. 180 is a schematic top view further alternative example of triplescreen pedestal apparatus 670 incorporating secondary enclosure 672 andtertiary enclosure 673 mounted with square pegs and a stationary primaryenclosure 671, in a single screen position. In FIG. 180, primaryenclosure 671 is rigidly fixed and essentially centered relative toenclosure platform assembly 678 in an open position facing the user.Secondary enclosure 672 is in a closed position with its secondaryenclosure peg 674 received by its allotted square peg hole. Tertiaryenclosure 673 is also in a closed position with its tertiary enclosurepeg 675 received by square peg hole 684. The square pegs contain acylindrical enclosure hinge 679 that permits secondary enclosure 672 andtertiary enclosure 673 to be rotated about towards the user in thetriple screen mode as shown in FIG. 181. Triple screen pedestalapparatus 670 is in a single screen mode in which primary display screen10 of primary enclosure 671 is available to the user.

FIG. 181 is a schematic top view of triple screen pedestal apparatus 670of FIG. 180 as secondary enclosure 672 and tertiary enclosure 673 aremoved to a triple screen mode. To effect a triple screen mode from thesingle screen mode, secondary enclosure 672 is lifted and moved towardsthe left to fit its secondary enclosure peg 674 into its square peg hole676, after which tertiary enclosure 673 is lifted and moved towards theright to fit its tertiary enclosure peg 675 into the square peg holevacated by secondary enclosure peg 674. Secondary enclosure 672 andtertiary enclosure 673 may be angled towards the user for fine viewingby rotating the two display enclosures through enclosure hinge 679.Primary enclosure 671 has a slanted edge at the back of its left andright sides to accommodate the angling of secondary enclosure 672 andtertiary enclosure 673.

FIG. 182 is a schematic top view of triple screen pedestal apparatus680, an alternative example of the triple screen apparatus shown inFIGS. 180-181, showing a primary enclosure 681 located at rear ofenclosure platform assembly 688 in a triple screen mode. From itsposition in FIG. 181, primary enclosure 681 is positioned at the rearcreating a space in the front of primary enclosure 681 which may be usedto place manuscripts. Primary enclosure 681 is rigidly fixed toenclosure platform assembly 688 similar to that shown in FIG. 181. Theposition of secondary enclosure 672 and tertiary enclosure 673 in FIG.181 is unchanged.

FIG. 183 is a schematic top view another example of dual screen pedestalapparatus 690 showing two independent display enclosures: primaryenclosure 691 with pentagonal pegs 695 and secondary enclosure 692 withsquare pegs 694 in a single screen mode. Shown in FIG. 183 is primaryenclosure 691 mounted with pentagonal pegs 695 that are received bypentagonal peg holes 699 (shown in FIG. 184) and empty pentagonal pegholes 697. Also shown is secondary enclosure 692 mounted with squarepegs 694 that are received by square peg holes 664 and empty square pegholes 696. Dual screen pedestal apparatus 690 is in a single screen modein which primary display screen 10 of primary enclosure 691 is availableand faces the user while secondary display screen 20 of secondaryenclosure 692 is not visible. Additional polygonal shapes may be usedfor the pegs and peg holes other than square, pentagon, or round shapes.How the shapes of the pegs are chosen may effect the orientation of thedisplay enclosures, for example, if the display enclosures havepentagonal pegs then they may be positioned forward or backward. Theshape of the pegs also restricts certain positions of the displayenclosures such as to match signal path and power supply requirementswhere a matching receptacle requires a matching plug. The choice of asquare peg, for example, may be suited for special type of displayscreens to match audio and video standards such as the square peg mayrequire 5 volts and the pentagonal peg may require 12 volts. This issimilar to an Internet jack plug and a telephone jack plug. The latterwould not be received in the Internet jack socket. The requirements ofeach display enclosure technically differ such as for example, in thepower needs, video standards, and signaling. The peg holes may bemodified to suit a particular requirement of the enclosure such as forexample, a particular peg hole may only fit the jack plug it isassociated with.

FIG. 184 is a schematic top view of dual screen pedestal apparatus 690of FIG. 183 in a dual screen mode. In the dual screen mode, primaryenclosure 691 is lifted and moved towards the left to fit pentagonalpegs 695 into pentagonal peg holes 697, after which secondary enclosure692 is lifted and moved towards the right to fit the two square pegs 694into square peg holes 696. In this position, display enclosures 691, 692are aligned and parallel with pedestal 693 and enclosure platformassembly 698. In FIG. 184, display enclosures 691, 692 may be flushedwith enclosure platform assembly 698 that has been expanded for clarity.

FIG. 185 is an enlarged schematic cutaway view of peg 563 as depicted inFIGS. 154-159. Connector wire 663 is associated with the metal casing ofpeg 563. The casing is typically metallic but may be made of glass orwrapped in metallic sleeve. The peg is removable in the sense that it isnot fixed in the enclosure platform assembly but fixedly attached to thedisplay enclosure. Electro-optical emitter device 665 is an LED (lightemitting diode) similar to an optical device for transmitting orreceiving signals to and from the optical detector or remitter. Theelectro-optical emitter device 665 detects signals coming from theenclosure platform assembly and permits connector receptacle toaccommodate peg hole such as peg hole 565 and peg 563 to completecorresponding matching connectors. Audio and power signals may becompleted or coupled. Optical waveguide outer surface 667 providesunobstructed path to the optical emitter. Fiber optic cables and rigidoptical conduits may transfer optical signals to and from the primaryenclosure and secondary enclosure. Device lead wires 666 are mounted andsoldered on the circuit board. It is connected to the displayelectronics. Video signals may be modulated and any status informationon power signals may be transmitted wirelessly via electro-opticalemitter device 665 in lieu of an optical connector. The bottom of peg563 as depicted in FIG. 185 receives electro-optical emitter device 665,the latter functions as a transmitter and receiver. The opticaltransmission may be in a single peg or adjacent peg or each of theadjacent pegs and that they may be made redundant Optical waveguideouter surface 667 (an empty hole) is located in center of peg or cavitylessens the weight of the peg by creating a space in the center. Acylindrical cavity is formed in center of peg 563 to accommodateelectro-optical emitter device 665 to receive optical signals fromcorresponding optical emitter typically located at the peg hole.

FIG. 186 is an enlarged partial view left side of enclosure platformassembly 688 of triple screen pedestal apparatus 680 of FIG. 182 showingdetails of secondary enclosure peg 674 and square peg holes 676Secondary enclosure peg 674 has similar characteristics with peg 563 asshown in FIG. 185 but shaped as a square. Square peg hole 676 clearlyreceives secondary enclosure peg 674 as shown by enclosure insertionenclosure insertion direction arrow 669 when secondary enclosure peg 674is fitted to square peg hole 676. Optical waveguide outer surface 668functions similarly to optical waveguide outer surface 667 as shown anddescribed in FIG. 185. Emitter housing 687 protrudes or is fitted in acavity so data signal, for example, video signal for display screen issupplied by electro-optical emitter device 665 fitted on or aboutemitter housing 687 to square peg hole 676 or to the mounted LED emitter(not shown). Optical waveguide outer surface 668 allows unobstructedpath to electro-optical detector receiver device 709 mounted at the endof secondary enclosure peg 674 on or about the area of device housing661. The circular shaft enables the display enclosures to rotate atangles, especially when the enclosure is a one peg design. The squareshaft conducts with the square peg hole through light transmitted datawhich may be wired or wireless. The cylindrical portion indicated atenclosure hinge 679 represents portion of peg internal to secondaryenclosure 672. It may be internally rotated since the peg is square andstationary. Rotating secondary enclosure 672 requires that peg enclosurehinge 679 be rotated with respect to secondary enclosure peg 674. Thisis accomplished by enclosure hinge 679 enclosed in rubber to cause somedegree of tension to absorb or dampen the vibrations associated with theoperating environment of triple screen pedestal apparatus 670.

FIGS. 187-192 illustrate a fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention in which the primary enclosure and the secondary enclosure areindependent of each other with the secondary enclosure detachable orseparated from the main unit. Either the primary enclosure or secondaryenclosure of the dual screen display apparatus may contain a portableenergy source to power the electronics should either one of the displayenclosures be detached from the base assembly on a permanent ortemporary basis. A wired or wireless connection to the base electronicshousing enables the detached display enclosure to receive and transmitsignals. Connection to any of the detached display enclosures may bedone through an optical or radio frequency means. Similarly, suchwireless means may also be used to provide and receive data from anydisplay enclosure or display screen. When a display enclosure isdetached, a power adapter may be used to supply a continuous ortemporary source of power to the detached unit.

Accordingly, FIG. 187 is front view of dual screen apparatus 700 showinga detachable secondary enclosure 702. Dual screen apparatus 700 issimilar to the earlier dual screen display apparatus depicted in FIGS.126-134 in which primary enclosure hinge 14 is raised without aguiderail assembly. In FIG. 187, detachable secondary enclosure 702 isseparated from the main unit communicating wirelessly with baseelectronics housing 51 via wireless communication link 707 throughwireless communications module 708 located within the secondaryenclosure and base electronics housing 51 for the main unit and withinthe secondary enclosure for the detached unit as shown in FIGS. 187-188.Primary display screen 10 of primary enclosure 701 may be usedsimultaneously with secondary display screen 20 of detachable secondaryenclosure 702, secondary display screen 20 may be a special displayscreen. Power buttons 348 and status indicator lights 349 pertainspecifically to detachable secondary enclosure 702. Power buttons 348for example, conserve the built-in batteries and enable on and off modeof secondary display screen 20. The peripheral buttons enable thedisplay screen to change orientation to either portrait or landscape, tocommunicate with base electronics housing 51, and to facilitate savermode.

FIG. 188 is a top view of dual screen apparatus 700 of FIG. 187. Dockingcavity 703 is an enclosure holder for detachable enclosure 702 fixedlyattached to the base of primary enclosure 701 at the rear. The dockingis by mechanical means. Detachable secondary enclosure 702 is docked atthe rear of primary enclosure 701 with display screen 20 either facingoutward to allow the unit to serve as a convertible PC tablet, or facingthe rear (closed position) of primary enclosure 701. Docking cavity 703functions as a recharger, for example, for the electrical connectionsand memory when detachable secondary enclosure 702 is docked. Theindependent display electronics of detachable secondary enclosure 702and its wireless components such as wi-fi, Bluetooth, wi-max and thelike, internal memory, RAM, mini hard drive, adapter or power drive arebeing recharged while in its docking stage. Detachable secondaryenclosure 702 may be docked facing away from the unit or rotated about180 degrees to face the keyboard. It may communicate with baseelectronics housing 51 at this stage. When detachable secondaryenclosure 702 is in its docking stage and secondary display screen 20 isfacing the rear, the display screen may be converted as its own slatestyle tablet PC which may download files in sync with its associatedfiles. Docking cavity 703 receives lower ledge 706 (shown in FIG. 187)of detachable secondary enclosure 702 and may be secured to primaryenclosure 701. Additional latches and hooks may be used to firmly securedetachable secondary enclosure 702. At the bottom of docking cavity 703are electronics contacts 705 which facilitate bi-directional data flowsto and from detachable secondary enclosure 702. They permit rechargingof the portable power supply or portable battery (not shown). Detachablesecondary enclosure 702 may have a rotatable stand 704 to facilitateorientation in both landscape and portrait.

FIG. 189 is an isometric view example of dual screen slate styleapparatus 710 with an integrated detachable secondary enclosure 712.Dual screen slate style apparatus 710 functions as a slate style tabletPC with an integrated detachable secondary enclosure 712 dockedunderneath primary enclosure 711. Shown in FIG. 189 are power button 293to turn on or off detachable secondary enclosure 712, status lights 294which indicate when the unit is charged and may also be used as a harddrive indicator, wireless indicator or diagnostic indicator; andfunction buttons 295 which handles the control aspects of the unit suchas volume and brightness. Function buttons 295 also permit orienting thepicture or rotating the display screen relative to the user, enablestandby mode to conserve usage, and enable and disable communication toother peripheral devices.

FIG. 190 is an isometric view of dual screen slate style apparatus 710of FIG. 189 showing detachable secondary enclosure 712 separated fromprimary enclosure 711. Pegs 713 secure detachable secondary enclosure712 to back of primary enclosure 711. Pegs 713 may be metallic, frictionfitted, and may be molded in the casing of primary enclosure 711. Itsoptical characteristics permit sharing data to and from the two displayenclosures. It also assists in recharging batteries and conveying statusinformation to detachable secondary enclosure 712. Additional latches orhooks may be used to transport the unit or to store it when not needed.Display enclosures 711, 712 may also be wirelessly connected. Detachablesecondary enclosure 712 may communicate wirelessly with primaryenclosure 711 via wireless communication link 707 through wirelesscommunication modules 708 located each within the two display enclosuresas shown in FIG. 190 to show file, communicate status information, andreceive display information, among others. It may have a stand similarto that shown in FIG. 188 to enable upright orientation of detachablesecondary enclosure 712.

FIG. 191 is a front view of detachable secondary enclosure 712 of FIG.190 as it is about to be mounted to enclosure cradle 715. Detachablesecondary enclosure 712 may have an integrated stand enclosure cradle715 to provide greater stability to support the former in unevensurfaces. Swivel hinge 716, which may pivot or swivel left and right,permits detachable secondary enclosure 712 to be tilted forward andbackward to optimize viewing angle. It may pivot backward and forwardsimilar to, for example, the primary enclosure hinge depicted in FIG.58. Detachable secondary enclosure 712 is inserted or mounted ontoswivel hinge 716 as indicated by mounting direction arrow 717 to sit inswivel hinge 716 which has a recess cavity that accepts the width andshape of detachable secondary enclosure 712 in both landscape andportrait orientations.

FIG. 192 is a front view of detachable secondary enclosure 712 of FIG.191 shown docked to enclosure cradle 715. Enclosures cradle 715functions as a receiver for network connection such as Ethernet or ESP.It may also function as an AC/DC adapter to supply/recharge batteries ofdetachable secondary enclosure 712 when the unit is docked. A dockinggrip is applied so detachable secondary enclosure 712 cannot beseparated. Additionally, detachable secondary enclosure 712 may need tobe latched or hooked. As secondary enclosure 712 is slotted in enclosurecradle 715, it may be tilted forward and backward or rotated sidewaysvia swivel hinge 716 to adjust secondary display screen 20 to the user'spreference. Enclosure cradle 715 may be placed anywhere convenient tothe user.

FIG. 193 is a partial isometric view of dual screen apparatus 720showing a side mounted hinge 685 rotatably connected to first and secondslider arm pieces 723, 724 respectively. Shown is secondary enclosure 22extended out of primary enclosure 351 via first slider arm piece 723which in turn is connected by a hinge mounted and fixed on the side tosecond slider arm piece 724. Second slider arm piece 724 holds secondaryenclosure 22 and prevents it from becoming detached from the apparatus.The hinge connecting the two slider arm pieces permits secondaryenclosure 22 to be pivoted towards the user about hinge Pin pivot axis729 associated with slider arm hinge pin 725. Corresponding first andsecond slider arm pieces 723, 724 are also located in the lower sliderarm (not shown).

FIG. 194 is a partial isometric view of dual screen apparatus 720showing a top mounted hinge 686 rotatably connected to first and secondslider arm pieces 726, 727 respectively. Slider arm hinge pin 728functions similarly to that shown in FIG. 193 except that the hinge ismounted on top of first and second slider arm pieces 726, 727respectively. The hinge permits secondary enclosure 22 to be pivotedforward or backward about slider arm hinge pin 728. Corresponding firstand second slider arm pieces 726, 727 are also located in the lowerslider arm (not shown).

FIG. 195 is a side view of dual screen apparatus 700 of FIGS. 187-188 asdetachable secondary enclosure 702 docks to the back of primaryenclosure 701. Detachable secondary enclosure 702 is shown faces theuser or the keyboard. It may also be docked facing away from the unit byrotating essentially 180 degrees. Docking cavity 703 receives lowerledge 706 as shown by docking direction arrow. Docking cavity 703functions as a recharger for the electrical connections, memory, or theportable battery of detachable secondary enclosure 702. As mentioned,additional latches and hooks (not shown) may be used to firmly securedetachable secondary enclosure 702 while in its docking stage.

FIG. 196 is a side view of the detachable secondary enclosure 712 ofFIGS. 189-192 shown mounted to enclosure cradle 715. The latterfunctions as a receiver for network connections or as an AC/DC rechargerfor the enclosure's internal battery. Also shown are swivel hinge 716which permits detachable secondary enclosure 712 with two degrees offreedom, and peg 713 which locks detachable secondary enclosure 712 atthe back of primary enclosure 711 when in a storage position.

FIG. 197 is a schematic top view of dual screen wall mounted apparatus720 showing slider arms 723, 724 connected by a side hinge as theyextend secondary enclosure 22 in a dual screen mode. Dual screen wallmounted apparatus 720 is similar to that shown in FIG. 96 except thatthe slider arms in FIG. 197 is comprised of first slider arm piece 723connected to second slider arm piece 724 via a side hinge as shown inFIG. 193. In the dual screen mode, such as that shown in FIG. 197, bothdisplay enclosures 351, 22 face the user and are essentially centeredrelative to wall bracket 353 and the user's visual orientation direction718 which permits the user essentially the same angle while viewing thetwo display enclosures.

FIG. 198 is a schematic top view of dual screen 720 of FIG. 720 asdisplay enclosures 351, 22 are rotated towards the user. Secondaryenclosure 22 has been rotated towards the user from its position in FIG.197 represented by slider arms reference axis 719 essentially alongsecondary enclosure rotation direction arrow 722. Secondary enclosure 22may still be further rotated to the user's visual orientation direction718 along the user's viewing angle 721. Primary enclosure 351 has beenrotated towards the user via swivel hinge 358. It may still be furtherrotated to the user's visual orientation direction 718 along the user'sviewing angle 721. In this position, the two display enclosures areangled and essentially centered on either side of the user.

FIG. 199 is a partial front view of the side mounted hinge 685 areashown in FIGS. 193, and 197-198. Second slider arm piece 724 is shownrotatably connected to first slider arm piece 723 via slider arm hingepin 725. Such an arrangement permits an extended secondary enclosure 22and its associated display screen 20 to be pivoted toward the user foroptimum viewing.

FIG. 200 is a partial front view of the top mounted hinge 686 area shownin FIG. 194. Second slider arm piece 727 is shown rotatably connected tofirst slider arm piece 726 via slider arm hinge pin 728 which alsopermits an extended secondary enclosure 22 to be pivoted forward orbackward with respect to the user. The end of first slider arm piece 726is shown overlapping the end of second slider arm piece 727 as they areconnected creating an empty space between the two ends.

FIG. 201 is a partial top view of the top mounted hinge 686 shown inFIG. 200. A circular shape is formed that indicates the two circularends of first slider arm piece 726 and second slider arm piece 727. Thecircular shapes of the two ends of slider arm pieces 726, 727 allowsecondary enclosure 22 to be rotated a wide angle relative to theprimary enclosure 351.

FIG. 202 is a partial top view of the top mounted hinge 686 shown inFIG. 201 when secondary enclosure 22 is rotated toward the user foroptimum viewing. The rotation of the secondary enclosure 22 about sliderarm hinge pin 728 is indicated by secondary enclosure rotation directionarrow 684.

FIGS. 203-204 are perspective views of a dual screen apparatus 730 in apartially open and in a closed position respectively. A top view of dualscreen apparatus 730 illustrating the function of secondary enclosurenotch 737 is shown in FIGS. 209-210.

FIG. 203 shows a dual screen apparatus 730 having primary enclosure 731in an upright position and secondary enclosure 732 partially extendedfrom primary enclosure 731. When dual screen apparatus 730 is in singlescreen mode, secondary enclosure latch 739 secures the secondaryenclosure 732 to the rear of the primary enclosure 731. The secondaryenclosure 732 hinge arrangement of dual screen apparatus 730 is typicalof the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Videoconnectors 734 permit external video input to be displayed on the dualscreen apparatus or video output from the apparatus to be displayed onan external monitor or made available to a peripheral device such as avideo recorder.

FIG. 204 shows dual screen apparatus 730 in a closed position with boththe primary and secondary enclosure folded and closed against the baseelectronics housing 32. If dual screen apparatus 730 is designed tofunction as a tablet PC, dual screen apparatus 730 may continue tooperate in spite of being in a closed position. If this is the case,secondary display screen 20 will be a touch sensitive display screen toaccommodate input from a stylus (not shown).

FIGS. 205-206 show an isometric view of an exemplary signal connectionmeans from the base electronics housing 32 to the secondary enclosure 22of dual screen apparatus 30. FIG. 205 shows the dual screen apparatus 30of FIGS. 1-11 with its primary enclosure 11 shown in partially hiddenoutline to reveal the secondary enclosure 22 in its closed or retractedstate. In FIG. 205 the dual screen apparatus 30 is in its single screenmode as the secondary enclosure and its associated display screen areretracted within the primary enclosure 11.

A ribbon data cable 96 is used to connect audio, video, power supply,and other data signals to and from the secondary enclosure 22 and itsassociated secondary display screen 20 (not shown in FIG. 205). Ribbondata cable 96 terminates inconspicuously at the rear of secondaryenclosure 22 at secondary enclosure connector 98. The other end ofribbon data cable 96 terminates within the rear of primary enclosurecavity 19 (shown in cross section in FIG. 19) at primary enclosureconnector 99. Although the ribbon cable typically terminates within theprimary enclosure 11, the video, audio, power supply, and data signalscontinue from the primary enclosure 11 to the base electronics housing32 or an external connection. The enclosure connectors 98, 99 aretypically connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) or directlyto the display electronics 21 (see FIG. 19) associated with the primaryor secondary display screens.

FIG. 206 shows the dual screen apparatus 30 of FIGS. 1-11 with itsprimary enclosure 11 shown in partially hidden outline to reveal thesecondary enclosure 22 in its open or extended state. The ribbon datacable 96 has been pulled along as the secondary enclosure connector 98associated with the secondary enclosure 22 has moved to a positionoutside the primary enclosure cavity 19. The primary enclosure connector99 however, has remained stationary with respect to the primaryenclosure 11 as it is attached to the rear of the primary enclosurecavity 19 (not shown in FIGS. 205-206).

In FIG. 206 the dual screen apparatus 30 is in its dual screen mode asthe secondary enclosure 22 and its associated display screen (not shown)are open or extended from primary enclosure 11 and available for theuser to view additional visual content. In FIGS. 205-206, the guiderailassembly and its associated guiderail cover 13 are not extended and theyare not required to do so for the dual screen apparatus to be in dualscreen mode.

Typically, ribbon data cable 96 is flexible and does not crack or becomeintermittent as the secondary enclosure 22 is opened and closedrepeatedly throughout the life of the apparatus. Furthermore, ratherthan terminating within the primary enclosure 11 as shown at primaryenclosure connector 99, the cable may fold or rotate 90 degrees in acurved manner and proceed down the primary enclosure cavity 19 to theprimary enclosure hinge 14 and guiderail assembly 5 area and onto thebase electronics housing 32. Thus a reliable signal path to and from thesecondary display is ensured.

FIG. 207 shows a partial schematic cross sectional view of a furthervariation of the guiderail assembly shown in FIG. 31. The guiderailassembly of FIG. 207 comprises guiderail cover 146, slide 147, and rail148. The rail 148 is fixedly attached to base electronics housing 149 ofa typical dual screen apparatus 145. To ensure a smooth back and forthguiderail motion of the slide 147 relative to the rail 148, componentssuch as ball bearings, suspension systems, and anti-friction coatings orsleeves may be used within the guiderail assembly. Such components maybe made of metallic, ceramic, or plastic materials such as Teflon (™).

FIG. 208 shows a partial schematic cross sectional view of a furthervariation of the guiderail assembly and primary enclosure area shown inFIG. 37. In FIG. 208, slide 255 is shown encompassing rail 254 aboveprimary enclosure hinge 14. Rail 254 is fixedly attached to secondguiderail cover 256 while slide 255 is fixedly attached to firstguiderail cover 252. Primary enclosure 251 is pivotably attached tofirst guiderail cover 252 via primary enclosure swivel hinge 253.Primary enclosure swivel hinge 253 permits primary enclosure 251 and itsassociated display screen 10 to be pivoted left or right for optimumviewing by the user of typical dual screen apparatus 250.

Typically, power, video signals, and the like are supplied to the hingedprimary and secondary enclosures through wire conductors in the form ofcable harnesses or ribbon cables. The wires are routed through theprimary enclosure hinge 14 to facilitate the operation of the primaryand secondary displays, and their associated display electronics 21 ifnecessary. It should be understood that the video signals and other datasignals may also be communicated to the primary and secondary enclosurethrough other means such as optical means using fiber optic cables,light pipe conduits, waveguides, and the like, or wireless optical or RFmeans using a variety of wireless frequencies, modulation schemes, andspecifications, for example IR, Bluetooth, and wireless USB.

Generally, each of the multiple displays of the present inventionreceives its video input signal from a video signal source in analog ordigital format. This video signal source is typically generated by amultiple monitor video card within the base electronics housing 32, 42of a typical dual screen apparatus dual screen apparatus 30, 40respectively. The video signal may also be provided by a source externalto the dual screen apparatus and input the apparatus through a suitablevideo connector typically located at the rear or sides of the multiplemonitor apparatus. The video signal may also be provided wirelesslyusing an optical or RF signal. Furthermore, the apparatus, or one ormore of its associated display enclosures, may encapsulate a RF videotuner to receive analog or digital television signal or a 3G videosignal. When decoded and processed within the apparatus, the resultingvideo signal may be input directly to the display screen (or itsassociated electronics) without further processing by any PC relatedvideo card located within the multiple monitor apparatus.

FIGS. 209-210 are top views of a typical dual screen apparatus 730 witha hinge area different from the hinge area shown in FIGS. 110-111respectively. FIG. 209 shows the secondary enclosure 732 in a closed orretracted position. The secondary enclosure 732 is rotatably attached tothe primary enclosure 731 through secondary enclosure hinge 733 and itsassociated hinge pin 414. Also shown in FIG. 209 is a primary enclosureridge 738 and a secondary enclosure notch 737 which are the basis of themodified hinge areas of FIGS. 209-210.

FIG. 210 shows the secondary enclosure 732 in an open or extendedposition. When the secondary enclosure 732 is rotated from its closedphantom line representation 736 to an open or extended position, asindicated by rotation direction arrow 735 in FIG. 210, the secondaryenclosure notch 737 receives primary enclosure ridge 738. The use ofsecondary enclosure notch 737 and primary enclosure ridge 738 permit thesecondary enclosure 732 to rotate several more degrees toward the userbefore the secondary enclosure 732 stops against primary enclosure 731.

A multiple monitor apparatus, typically presented in the form of a dualscreen apparatus has been disclosed. In this description, the termsmultiple monitor apparatus, multiple monitor display apparatus, dualscreen display apparatus, dual screen apparatus, and the like may beused interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms dual screen apparatus maybe used to describe a multiple monitor apparatus even in configurationswhere more than two display screens are present.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms and variations without departingfrom the essential characteristics and true spirit thereof. Accordingly,the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, but notlimiting. The intended scope of the invention may thus include otherembodiments that do not differ from the literal language of the claims.The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forthin the following claims.

1. A multiple monitor display apparatus comprising a primary enclosureand its associated display screen, a secondary enclosure and itsassociated display screen, and a guiderail assembly for electivelycentering said primary enclosure and said secondary enclosure withrespect to a user.
 2. The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1wherein said secondary enclosure is stored within said primary enclosurein single screen mode.
 3. The multiple monitor display apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure extends from said primaryenclosure in dual screen mode.
 4. The multiple monitor display apparatusof claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is secured to said primaryenclosure by one or more slider arms.
 5. The multiple monitor displayapparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is stored adjacentto said primary enclosure in single screen mode.
 6. The multiple monitordisplay apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondary enclosure is rotatedabout a secondary enclosure hinge in dual screen mode to face a user. 7.The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said secondaryenclosure and said primary enclosure move along adjacent guiderailassemblies to effect dual screen mode.
 8. The multiple monitor displayapparatus of claim 1 wherein said guiderail assembly is motorized.
 9. Amultiple monitor display apparatus comprising a primary enclosure andits associated display screen, a secondary enclosure and its associateddisplay screen, and an enclosure platform assembly for electivelycentering said primary enclosure and said secondary enclosure withrespect to a user.
 10. The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 9wherein said enclosure platform assembly incorporates pegs, peg holes,or both.
 11. The multiple monitor display apparatus of claim 10 whereinsaid pegs or peg holes provide electricity to said primary enclosure,said secondary enclosure, or both.
 12. The multiple monitor displayapparatus of claim 9 wherein said primary enclosure and said secondaryenclosure receive their respective video signal by optical means,wireless means, or both.